Con has been sent to Muspel to learn from the necromancers who still exist there. While he is away, tensions build in the Renge. The emperor and his pet general have been sowing the seeds of chaos throughout the lands. The truth about Golmagug, the demimage and leader of the evil Inquisition, is revealed. The Dark Ring comes under attack. The gods and the heroes of old have returned. As have the necromancers of the Black Ring..and the last of the snake men.

As darkness descends, the armies begin to assemble. They come from the east, west, north, and south. ahead of them the orbs and the relices begin their journey into the Renge after a long absence.revealing that the rebellion is in full swing.