The four kingdoms of Anevion - Espentium, Tyradion, Ordica and Myrantis - have been hostile for as long as anyone can remember. Although never having been to war, the animosity of these four kingdoms has reached breaking point. In the capital of Ordica, the Prime Advisor is murdered. This act is taken by the population as a deceleration of war, and the entire country becomes a bloody battleground both behind the scenes and on the battlefield. Xandar Hallowfriar mourns for his godfather - the death of whom began the war - and pays no attention to the happenings which has turned his world upside-down. But without realising it, he commits an act which no one can explain, putting him in charge of his country, and changing the course of war for all four kingdoms.