Anzo "the Weasel" Severnus, agent of the Aurridian Courier Service – or what is more commonly known as a spy – has been looking to retire. But with the dysfunctional Empire threatened from within as well as without, that's wishful thinking. And now a mysterious threat from beyond the bulwarks of civilization looms large and the Aurids need their Weasel, once more.

It's more than just a job, this time. Anzo shares blood with the barbarians threatening the Imperial border, his mother's folk, long chafing at the Empire's brutal games of conquest and cruelty. And confronted by a upstart chieftain of almost preternatural charisma, aided by ancient, eldritch powers, Anzo will have to contend with more than just another outland cult leader.

He'll question the righteousness of his own cause.