Introduction: Alwnn is shrouded by the fog of war. Dracones Auryelin, former ruler of the imperial territory, is dead by an assassin鈥檚 blade. His mistress and child are missing, presumed slain. His sworn brother, Dracones Uthyr leads what little remains of their legion in a desperate defence of a far-flung, effectively abandoned territory against demons, magical beasts and men. The culprit of this disaster Vertigan, son of a former ally, has declared himself High King and renounced his father's imperial ties. Vertigan鈥檚 bid for power had hinged on two key points. The first was capturing Auryelin鈥檚 mistress, the imperial sorceress charged with maintaining Alwnn鈥檚 mystical protections, alive. The second was the trustworthiness of his barbarian mercenaries. His demon-worshipping, barbarian mercenaries. As all sides seek to attain their own goals a young sorcerer emerges from the cursed woods of Alwnn....