Even as Aram gathers the free peoples of the earth to his standard and his cause, the world grows increasingly dangerous. Manon, the grim Lord of the World, has decided that Joktan's heir must be forced to come to him by any means necessary - and made to surrender up the unearthly weapon that he bears. At the same time, High Prince Rahm Imrid of Elam moves to consolidate power over his principality so that he, too, may take political and military advantage of the world's instability. As a consequence, Aram and his small force are caught between the designs of two greater powers, each of whom lusts for much more...