Shapechangers (Chronicles of the Cheysuli, Bk. 1) Paperback – February 7, 1984 by Jennifer Roberson
Book 1 of 8: Cheysuli
 
They were the Cheysuli, a race of magical warriors gifted with the ability to assume animal shape at will. For centuries they had been allies to the King of Homana, treasured champions of the realm. Until a king's daughter ran away with a Cheysuli liege man and caused a war of annihilation against the Chaysuli race. Twenty-five years later the Chesyuli were hunted exiles in their own land, feared for their sorcery, their shapeshifting.
This is the story of Alix, the daughter of that ill-fated union between Homanan princess and Cheysuli warrior, and her struggle to master the call of magic in her blood, and accept her place in an ancient prophecy she cannot deny,
 
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