Rae’en has taken her father’s place as First of the practically immortal Aern, a race
created by the Eldrennai as warrior-slaves to defend them from the magic-resistant
reptilian Zaur. Freed from all Oaths by Kholster’s death, Rae’en decides to wage war
on the Eldrennai anyway out of rage and grief.
The war between the Eldrennai and Zaur has begun. Bloodmane, leader of the now
independent mystic-warsuits, has underestimated both the sheer numbers of the Zaur and
their field leader General Tsan. As the warsuits prepare to assist the Eldrennai in
the defense of their Watch cities, the Zaur warlord, Xastix, launches the bulk of his
forces at the Vael in an attempt to cut off all outside help.
Prince Rivvek, having been accepted as an Aiannai (Oathkeeper) before Kholster’s death
must claim the Eldrennai throne by completing the Test of Four so that he can enact
his plan to save as much of his kingdom as possible. Meanwhile, his brother Prince
Dolvek hatches a plot to enlist the aid of the plant-like Vael to defeat the Zaur
horde who are in league with the decapitated head of a dethroned deity.