Magic is waking. War has begun. Down with the king.
Fifteen months ago, Gwyn discovered he's the rightful king of Simaerin, last of the ancient line of Wintervale. Now he leads an army against the tyrannical Crow King.
But first, Gwyn and his ragged army of tradesmen, peasants, and escaped slaves must brave the cruel winter months without proper supplies or shelter while trying to rescue the residents of a port city sentenced to death and avoid the menacing mercenary forces of Hesh-Kasal. On top of that, Gwyn has to balance politics among his generals, defend against a dragon assault, and seize a keep filled with vile magic and a terrible history. Confronted with true loyalty and bitter betrayal in turns, Gwyn wrestles against his own doubts to find the line between trust and wisdom.
As the death toll rises, and Gwyn struggles with the horrors and sacrifices of war, he comes to understand why the Crow King has fallen, and now Gwyn must face the same path and the same choice.