Savenek has no higher honor than protecting Imperion. Other young men his age learn to trade, and he attends a secret, elite military academy where he is made into a weapon for the kingdom. He knows how to gather information unnoticed and kill in the shadows. Savenek's father forces him to study harder than all the students. The end of training is near, and Savenek looks forward to taking his oaths and entering the Brotherhood of the Crown. When a messenger arrives with news of war on the horizon, the Brotherhood is called to intervene. Wanting to prove himself, Savenek goes on his first mission alone. He doesn't expect to uncover a plot to destroy Imperion. He doesn't expect to have to join forces with someone outside the Brotherhood, or even a woman. He certainly doesn't expect failure. But his father taught him that nothing ever goes according to plan.