When tragedy strikes, trust no-one! As peril prowls the empire's roads and halls of power, bandits strike with chilling precision. When Prince Arkyn is ambushed, murmurs of betrayal stir, old friendships fracture and trust erodes. Even the army cannot escape scrutiny. King Adeone dares not risk civil war, but restraint has its price. Every cautious choice leaves room for ambition and treachery to fester. In the shadow of growing unrest, Prince Tain's path to Justiciar is littered with doubt and frustrations, but his resolve remains. He will become the weapon they need. Lord Scanlon's schemes rise and fall, but power is patient - and tragedy never comes uninvited. In this fourth volume of the twelve-part epic, trust frays, tragedy strikes, and no-one is safe from its shadow. The cost of restraint may be ruin.