By ruthless wit and bloodstained hand, Talaos has risen to the heights of power.And yet, the dangers he faces are greater than ever. The war he has made his own is at a moment of decision, sharp as the edge of a blade. An army besieges the city he now calls home, and with it rides one of the personal emissaries of his true enemy, one of the Twelve Hands of the Living Prophet himself.If he fails now, it will be the end... for him, and for everyone he has sworn to protect.