Carad claimed the One Throne through treachery, blackmail and murder. What will he need to do to keep it?
For seven years he has ruled the Brotherhood with a havy hand and a tight leash. Now enemies beset him on all sides, Citadel inhabitants are turning up murdered and all fingers point to Carad. Worse, he begins to suspect that one of the very few he trusts with his life might be conspiring to end it. With tensions running high, Carad needs to figure out who the traitor is before the "for life" aspect of his position becomes unfortunately literal.
Meanwhile in Dealgan, an increasingly desperate Ardal walks a disappearingly thin line between the Glór-Hunters who want to annihilate his people and the Council, who claim to have his best interests at heart. When those 'best interests' include taking his niece hostage, he is forced to make a final choice between his duty, his family and his people.Time is running out.