Against all expectations, Krispos had won the crown of Videssos. But how long could he hope to keep head and crown together? Civil war erupted under Petronas, who had a very personal score to settle with Krispos. And even as rebel troops took the field against the untried Emperor, outland raiders swept down from the north, their power that of the foulest sorcery. Krispos' reign showed every sign of being brief — and very bloody....