Two years have passed since the Battle of Fort Valen, and its repercussions still echo across Sharma. Many of the people who fought are still missing, but it is unknown how many have perished and how many have fled. Towns and villages lie deserted, and bandits roam the hills and roadways.
Selena still maintains her position in the Synod, but only in name. In reality, she is now a puppet, biding her time and doing her utmost to resist the strings that pull her when she can blunt the cruel regime. Most of her allies are among those who have escaped. Bryna vanished mysteriously without leaving a trace, whilst Rivan seems to want to do nothing more than wander aimlessly. Baird has assembled a small band of insurgents but they are no match against an empire, and Kyra has ventured to the Mountains of Valleshia on a quest to find the Temple of Briggan.
To the south, the Babuan Jungle remains the final part of the world free from the tyranny of Gavendara, but Elita knows the threat their armies of Zakaras pose and believes that they, too, will succumb to the tide if she doesn't convince them to fight.