Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor's tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support.

However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican's latest conquest. Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever.

Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne's loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father.

As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life-threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father's new arena.

Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

This special edition hardcover includes a sampling of the author's original notes from planning the book. .