Shattered Lands War rages on two fronts and the fate of Sidor hangs in the balance. In Lynese, William Whitton continues to lead a brilliant military campaign, capturing city after city. But victory abroad masks a growing darkness within Sidor. King Serwyn, gripped by paranoia and distrust begins making decisions that turn the kingdom into a powder keg, ready to explode. Exploiting the chaos, Edmund tries to manipulate the king to bring the Barons to heel while keeping them from outright rebellion.