A bastion of freedom and justice in a savage world, the city-state of Ogndarien is ruled by the Children of the Changing Years, four brave men and women who have been tested by the mysterious Stone and sworn to put the needs of others above all.

After Brophy, the heir of Autumn is falsely accused of murder, the city is entangled in a network of treachery and treacherous intrigues. Banished to a hostile kingdom, Brophy can only survive in one case: if he wins the deadly gladiatorial competition of the Nine Steps and earns the favor of the beautiful and fickle queen.

And while the young heir of Autumn fights for his rights, they awaken in the wild wilderness ancient, dormant black forces for centuries, and primeval horror comes to the world again.