In a land where the old gods have been forgotten, darkness rises. The rivers have dried. The crops have failed. Disease and death sweep through the kingdom of Raydur. According to prophecy, only one person can stop the demon of drought and restore balance before war consumes the region: a boy prince named Yaya. To save his people, Yaya must embark on a quest to recover the sacred elements of the water cycle and offer them to the god of rain. Only then might the god prevail in his struggle against his ancient nemesis. But danger follows close behind. At home, a deadly coup brews-led by Yaya's own grandmother, Queen Lilya, whose hatred for her grandson knows no bounds. Driven into exile and hunted by magic jackals, Yaya's only companion is a mysterious brown bear, bound to him by an alchemical elixir. Together, they must race to find the first element: the sacred waters of Anahita. Set in a world inspired by the mythology, religion, and architecture of ancient Sasanian Persia, The Springs of Anahita is a sweeping fantasy of prophecy, betrayal, and elemental power. Perfect for readers drawn to mythic fantasy with courtly intrigue and richly imagined worlds-fans of S.A. Chakraborty's The City of Brass and Katherine Addison's The Goblin Emperor will feel right at home.