The war with Pirinkar seems almost unstoppable, and the Order faces its first test after 3 centuries of peace. The promise to stand by the Western Territories against its northern neighbour will show whether the secluded efforts to maintain military prowess can actually stand up to reality. Although the enemy has little in the way of magical attack capabilities, their technological advances pose a threat that should not be underestimated. Eryn, meanwhile, wrestles with whether she is capable of destroying lives in a confrontation and thus betraying everything she has been trained to do. And Enric, whose loyalty has never been so severely tested as by the prospect of having to lead his companion into a war, is also struggling with his demons.