Caina only intends to make a brief stop in the city of Istarinmul before taking the necromantic Sword of the Iron King to the safety of the Towers of Lore.

But the Padishah of Istarinmul needs her help, and since Caina put him upon his throne, she cannot turn him away.

And the enigmatic Countess Kalthane, the woman who has been financing the Empire's war against the vile sorcerers of the Umbarian Order, needs a favor from Caina.

Because Countess Kalthane has a secret.

And if that secret falls into the hands of the Umbarians, they will use it to destroy the world...