Old hatreds and savage battles erupt when Malagian forces appear on the western mountains, marching for Shalon. A former student of Taneth's marches with them, aiding in the hunt of his once-fellow Battleborn. Perversions of viper hounds seek out varadours with predatory ease. The Destroyer plans each step with deadly efficiency. Desperate attempts to delay the oncoming force, save captured allies, and endure the enemy's hate-fueled tortures will shatter bonds of friendship years in the forging. Even hasty alliances with rival assassins, the Battlescorned, will not prevent one bitter truth from striking someone closest to Kaltor. Worse fates than death lie in wait for a Battleborn. Much worse.