In a war where trust and faith are in opposition and not even death determines victory, all who stood against the Faith of the Four Pillars and their peerless High Precept have been left scattered and defeated, while Caphedra, charred by flames and ravaged by its enemies, has received a bloody consecration to the illustrious Path of the Paragons. Along with the last protectors of the Lady Ramisa, Denn and Olen have escaped southward to the lands of Darrow, and Livet has returned across the land to the Fals, learning firsthand how the wilderers of Kramwen, once pledged to the same failed merchant rebellion that drew in her friends, have been scattered in ignominious defeat. When the armies of the Pillars seize upon Darrow, can they enlist the help of trustworthy allies to stand against the Faith's incursions. Can Kramwen help save them, when only a myth keeps the fabled ramparts of its fortress of Torrendal standing? Or must other, stranger allegiances be called upon to prevail?.