In the kingdom of Virelande, a mountainous archipelago torn between royalty and republic, a conspiracy threatens the fragile peace. Aelric de Montrive, a former disgraced officer and masterless swordsman, finds himself drawn against his will into a web of secrets, assassinations, and broken oaths. From port to port, from ruined fortresses to gilded salons, Aelric will cross swords, pen, and soul, in the service of a truth that others would like to suppress.