"There is a war out there. While not everybody is aware of it, we've all picked a side. The question is this. Which side are you on? Because the time to make it known has come."

Crik and the downers are now free. That, however, doesn't mean they are out of danger. Pursued by the soldiers of Ungstah and other unearthly creatures, Crik continues his fight for freedom. When the company faces the loss of friends and hope, Crik must confront deeper and darker things hidden in the recesses of the Northern Reaches. There, he realizes how terrifying and unforgiving the nature of this world truly is.

Meanwhile, Durgan faces his new life. But there are whispers and murmurings that an uprising among the branded grows. Durgan wants nothing to do with it. All he wants to do is to keep his wife safe and find his missing son. But when he discovers how dangerous the powers of Sulfus, the king, are, Durgan is forced to take a stand.