Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast them both from a precipice, leaving the world without a savior, and opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.
Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honor and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. In the south, Inevera, Jardir’s first wife, must find a way to keep their sons from killing one another and plunging their people into civil war as they strive for glory enough to make a claim on the throne. All the while, the corelings have been growing stronger, and without Arlen and Jardir there may be none strong enough to stop them. But Arlen Bales, the Warded Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel he could not in honor refuse.