Eight years after the disaster at Leviathan Pass, Meyral wanders the desert in search of his identity. Meanwhile a sinister voice whispers in the back of his mind and his quick temper is fueled by an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Amidst the guilt and devastation he finds, new love sparks, and he is forced to choose between his destiny and his heart. Alberto's new life of leisure ends abruptly when he is contracted to capture the notorious Blue Bandit, wanted for countless murders in the Vigrid Desert. Reluctantly, Alberto accepts help from old and new friends, only to find that there may be more to the story than he expected. Nordcross has focused its resources on restructuring Ardania, now its Western Frontier. Although the war has ended, some within the empire's ranks are wary of Empress Sera's judgment. Nordcross must choose its next move carefully now that the Northern Senate's authority is in doubt, forcing some to rise up and take action."