Overview

After months of turmoil, Kalland is united once again behind Anneka Toran, but unity has not brought with it peace. Crippled by grief, the new Queen of the Red Tower finds her rule challenged by a war on two fronts. In the west, Astrid av Kalte has led the Sverkers into rebellion, swearing to set the shores of Kalland ablaze in her quest for vengeance. Richard Beaufort sails with her, bound by his oaths of honour and loyalty, but bearing his own agenda within in his heart. To the south, Malos Osatuan and the legions of Kurenn cross the Bitter Sea, armed with dark powers, to bring the Kallandish to heel. Though it sickens him to his very core, Malos can see no other way to save the Phoenix...and to make sense of everything he has lost.

Kalland is beleaguered, its beloved young queen broken, but hope is not yet lost. Across the realm, from the streets of Kalrond to the mountains of the Blackfire Gate, warriors gather, drawn by glory, duty and pride. The Red Tower may yet fall. It will not fall without a fight...