The lost king - Ursula Jones

_oHis terror made him press back against the wall _ The wall gave way and he fell backwards.

He fell into silky, sucking-down choking powder. He was sinking into the slippery stuff, choking and fighting for air.__

The Slave City of Khul, a proud Kingdom founded by slaves, is invaded. The Slave King and his family slaughtered and resistance brutally suppressed. The former slaves are slaves once more.

The slaves whisper a name that has not been heard or repeated since the City fell. Avtar.

Avtar is their king.

Thirteen year-old Watt is a Ghosty Boy, so called for the flour-covered uniform of The Baker_Ts apprentices, and works in the ancient fortress of Slave City, a far- flung outreach of Empire.

When Watt gets stuck cleaning the Baker_Ts chimney, he falls into a labyrinth of corridors where he finds his sister, Melior, and his life is turned upside down. All Watt wants to do is survive, but Melior dreams of a life outside the City.

_~Melior_T, he emphasized, _~I_Tm a Ghosty Boy. Khul has no king._T Melior leant down and put her hand on his head, saying fiercely, _~I_Tll see you crowned if it kills me!_T