ALAS, THE BEST LAID PLANS is the third volume of THE STEWARD series. Folklore and fantasy enmesh with physics and forensics. The conspiracy is fraying; Lady Diere's carefully hidden agenda is in jeopardy. Padraic is far more than he appears. The cartel moves tactically against Papa George. Millie and Stacy gone missing? Despite all this, Ellen must deal with the Council, its inherent political intrigue, and the Dark Elf, Lady Diere, whose seething animosity and dark ambition fester unabated.