Free (Kindle) Phantoms on the Wind by Robert E. Vardeman [Epic Heir Quest Fantasy]

[ATDrake]

Phantoms on the Wind by Robert E. Vardeman (ISFDB, Wikipedia, SFE), a 1972 Hugo Award finalist for Best Fan Writer, in addition to being an author in his own right, is the 2nd novel in his The Demon Crown trilogy of epic adventure quest fantasy set in the usual fantasy land where lost heirs need to be restored to the throne with the aid of a magical artifact, this one dealing with the aftermath of one successful restoration quest, where the rightful heir has now fallen prey to the corruption of the artifact and become a paranoid tyrant, and the new quest is for the backup spare who is now the only hope for the kingdom wracked by civil war, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press' Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1989 by Tor. We've previously received the 1st-in-series as a freebie as well: The Glass Warrior

Currently free @ Amazon (available to Canadians & in the UK and pretty much everywhere else Amazon sells worldwide, since this is being done via their KDP Select exclusive-or-else program)

Description
The second instalment of The Demon Crown trilogy…

With Lorens, the rightful heir to the throne in power, it seems as though Porotane should be relishing in peace time and liberty.

However, warped by the Demon Crown and the immense power it holds, Lorens has fallen into corruption. Despite his pure blood, he lacks the strong will necessary to wear the wicked crown.

His paranoia regarding outside rebel attacks has led him to ignore the needs of his people, as well as the burgeoning rebellious ideas inside his own castle!

Vered and Santon are vilified and as such must escape before they fall into the merciless hands of The Inquisition.

The Alarice dead, King Lorens locked in a battle of the minds with Kaga’kalb, the Wizard of Storms and the civil war worse than ever, what are the two humble thieves to do in their quest to restore order to Porotane?

Vered and Santon have no choice but to go after the second noble twin, Lokenna. She is now there only hope at peace.

With the help of a phantom soldier, unable to die, by the name of Ruirik Kulattian they hunt for Lokenna.

They aren’t the only ones looking for her. The wicked and very dangerous, Kaga’kalb, the Wizard of Storms seeks them with his conjured army of elementals.

Will they find her before it’s too late?

[Dr. Drib]

Got it....but why?

Thank you!