Beset by invasion from the east, the empire of Lautun must try to settle its own religious differences, whilst also throwing back the barbarian hordes before they reach the strategic city of Arrandin. The mage council battle for the elder gods, the Aeshta, against the Emporer Rhydden.

Ryshad had no choice but to kill his long-time friend and ally Aiten. Aiten's mind had been corrupted by the mysterious Elietimm and he was a danger to himself and a deadly threat to others. But that is no consolation to the grieving Ryshad and certainly will be of no help when he tries to explain it to Aiten's family. To distract him from his troubles and from the strange dreams he has been having, Ryshad's patron, Messire D'Olbriot, sends him to Caladhria to assist the...

Deadly wolves attack throughout the kingdom of Belbidia, while the king's wife-to-be has been kidnapped. For both of these, the Barony of Torra Alta is blamed. The heroes must face magic and blood in their quests to avenge the wrongs done to them and restore the Trinity of priestesses.

On the world of Palace, political intrigue is the rule of the day and the repercussions of an old war between humans and the reptilian Lep are still having their effect. When the last surviving member of the old ruling family is discovered and speedily betrothed to the military usurper's son, this young woman becomes the focal point of all the simmering unrest on Palace.