Irons In The Fire

Description for IRONS IN THE FIRE by Juliet E McKenna:

The country of Lescar was born out of civil war. Carved out of the collapse of the Old Tormalin Empire, the land has long been laid waste by its rival dukes, while bordering nations look on with indifference or exploit its misery. But a mismatched band of exiles and rebels are agreed that the time has come for change, and they begin to put a scheme together for revolution. Full of rich characters and high adventure, this novel marks the beginning of a thrilling new series.

This is #1 in Lescari Trilogy.