Anaxantis, prince of Ximerion.

The threat of the barbarian invasion by the wild Mukthar tribes has been averted, and Anaxantis is starting to colonize the Renuvian Plains. There still remains a lot to be done — and that goes double for his private life.

Meanwhile in the independent city state of Naodyma a young man, Lexyntas, sells himself into slavery to provide for his younger siblings. Another one, Antybion, seeks the hospitality of rich relatives in Rhonoma. Arranulf still pines after Hemarchidas.

Then disturbing news reaches Anaxantis. His father, the high king of Ximerion, is marching almost half of his troops toward the capital, Ormidon, to be decommissioned. Is he really disbanding them, notwithstanding the threat in the South? Or is it just a pretext to move them nearer to the territory of his rebellious lord governor and son, Anaxantis?

The warlord suddenly finds himself in need of hard intelligence, and it's not that easy to come by...