With Pendry injured and Jewel captured, the fates of the Gradiare and the kingdom hang dangerously in the balance. While Pendry fights for his life, tormented by the unknown fate of Jewel, the Gradiare musters an army of old and new allies in preparation for a final confrontation with the King’s forces. Also unaware of Pendry’s fate, Jewel struggles to endure torture at the hands of her enemies. Haunted by her present regrets and ruthless past, hope hangs on by a thread as she attempts to escape before her sanity runs out.