Trever has just had his first taste of battle at Fortis Castellum, and he did not enjoy it at all. Now, as The Free Kingdoms slowly push the Imperials back, Trever once again finds himself on the road, travelling with Ellis and Trever's now official mentor, Elron, heading to the hot sands of the desert. Back at Fortis Castellum, Sage has joined the ranks of Fortis Castellum's archers and now faces the hard work and unwavering discipline of the army. Meanwhile, General Thaddeus makes his way across country hunted by Rebels and Imperials alike, his only chance of survival lying in the hands of a strange wanderer with a dark secret of his own. As the story continues, Trever, Sage, Elron, Ellis, and the others face new challenges, choices, and even suspicions as they face enemies, both old and new.