Believing the frontier to finally be free of savages, Cruce Chenomet returns home ready to enjoy life. The pleasures of love beckon him toward happiness, but a hostile world denies him the peace he craves. The rys monarchs Dacian and Onja continue to plot the destruction of Nufal and the hated tabre. Onja opens a two front campaign meant to expand her dominion over the western tribal kingdoms and bring misery and ruin to Nufal. She commands Amar to lead marauders into Nufal. Excited to be set loose upon new and foreign lands, he attacks without mercy and even dares to fight magical tabre. In the west, Onja's holy war rages as she continues to crush old idols and remake society. Demeda and Loxane expand their influence as the messengers of the conquering faith. In Nufal the rivalry between tabre Sects threatens their delicate alliance, and Tempet and Alloi begin to attract the loyalty of the people. This epic story continues with passion, ambition, courage, cruelty, and ever expanding magical powers. Warlords, refugees, politicians, warriors, child soldiers, and priests drive the high stakes action. The faith of all peoples will be tested and bested and forced to embrace a new religion.