Tavi of Calderon, heir to the crown, now called Princeps Gaius Octavian, has formed a tenuous alliance with Alera's oldest enemies, the savage hordes of the Canim. But when Tavi and his legions decide to help the Canim return to their homeland, their worst predictions come true. The terrible vords, sworn enemies of the Alerans and Canim, spent three years devastating the Canim lands. And when access to their ships is cut off, the Alerans have no choice but to fight alongside the Canim to survive. For a thousand years, Alera and her furies confronted their many enemies and outlived each of them. But a thousand years have come to an end...