This is a delightful continuation of co-authors' Mercedes Lackey and Mark Shepherd's PRISON OF SOULS.
From back cover: Once a prince, always a prince! Once again, instead of writing music, working spells or training his apprentice, Bard Alaire is asked to turn his hand to diplomacy. Because he's the only man the king, his brother, can trust to investigate the death of the previous Ambassador, Alaire has been made Ambassador to the troubled kingdom of Suinomen. Once before Alaire was in Suinomen---and barely made it out alive from its Prison of Souls. Now he will face high seas, low magic, and kidnapping by giant spiders---and that's before he even gets there . . .
From back cover: Once a prince, always a prince! Once again, instead of writing music, working spells or training his apprentice, Bard Alaire is asked to turn his hand to diplomacy. Because he's the only man the king, his brother, can trust to investigate the death of the previous Ambassador, Alaire has been made Ambassador to the troubled kingdom of Suinomen. Once before Alaire was in Suinomen---and barely made it out alive from its Prison of Souls. Now he will face high seas, low magic, and kidnapping by giant spiders---and that's before he even gets there . . .