With the use of superior weapons and distorted magic, the Risliyon Empire intends to conquer The Realm of High Castle. As The Realm's highest military commander and most potent sorceress, Shawna must plot strategies to defeat them. Not an easy task. Her magicians are defenseless against the Risliyon attacks and even Shawna can barely deflect their combat spells or heal people afflicted by them. Yet she can sense the vile root of their conjuring, something that eludes others. If she learns the source of the distortion, she can teach her forces to counter it and increase their chances of victory. Pieces of the puzzle fall into her grasp, but before she can find the answers she needs, Shawna is taken prisoner. After Shawna's capture, several commanders turn to Ryell Creedant for advice, relying on the warrior's ability to approach even harrowing situations with cold logic. With no magic, no formal education, and little command experience, Ryell doesn't feel qualified, but Shawna's being tortured, the Risliyons are winning, and traitors aid the enemy. For the sake of her homeland and captured high first commander, Ryell forces herself to meet the demands placed on her. As the tides of fate and victory shift between the realm and the Risliyons, both women must pit their cunning and courage against a seemingly invincible army in control of devastating powers.