Among the gods, a conflict has erupted, forcing humanity into a terrible war. Across the sea come the fanatical followers of the exiled son of God, Raijael, to subjugate the believers of the old Laijons religion. Somewhere in the lands, the orphan boy Nail is hiding. Upon him rests the secret hope of salvation. Jovan, the eldest son of the fallen king, rules over Gul Kana, consumed by increasingly worse delusions. Desperately, his two sisters try to stand against him. Jondralyn learns the noble art of sword fighting with great effort and suffering, while Tala uncovers a secret that could destroy not only their family but the entire kingdom. Can the realm withstand the dangers from within as well as the threat posed by the new religion of Raijael? And does the fate of young Nail have anything to do with an ancient prophecy?.