The future is forged through sacrifice. Raised in a distant northern outpost, young Sorova wakes one morning to the approach of an impossibly large invading army. Forced to flee before the deadly storm of steel, Sorova's life quickly devolves into a desperate struggle for survival. Forced to the limits of her endurance, in her darkest moments she wonders if life is still worth living. Marching at the head of the invading Kavenori clans, Mendus is haunted by visions of a dark future. The fate of his people dangles by a thread, and the paths that lead to brighter futures are narrow and treacherous. Powerful forces are stirring in his shadow, and only the strong will live to see the dawning of a new age. Opposing Mendus is a young army of warriors, put to a test beyond any they'd trained for. Kalin serves as the commander of the Lords' Calidryn, an elite unit that forms the tip of the Eranoran spear. He'll do anything he can to protect his people, but he isn't prepared for the sacrifices the Nine will demand from him. Ancient forces wake and armies march, and upon these blood-soaked fields the foundation of a new age will be built. Who will be alive to see it, though, is a question not even the Nine can answer.