The richest man in the world enlists powerful allies from another plane to assume his place as emperor, not realizing that even he is a pawn. War rages between Bronland and Tomania, threatening the foundations of both countries. A new religious movement challenges the dominant Theocon for the souls of man. All that stands between Androvia and ruin are a squire, a servant girl, and an executed criminal that has returned from the grave. And that's only the beginning. Worse things than the petty squabbles of men threaten the land they call home.