The Black Squad recaptured the fortified city of Dezhagor from the powerful sorcerers of the south - and immediately found themselves under siege. The enemy is throwing more and more troops into the assault, regardless of losses. The garrison of the fortress is divided into warring camps, the population is ready to rebel, and the distraught commander is bargaining with the Masters of the Shadows. Pilgrims from the ancient Nuyen Bao tribe, trapped along with the brothers of the Black Squad, claim that ancient deities have awakened, and killers from a sect of deceivers prophesy the imminent arrival of the Year of Skulls. And only Murgen, the standard bearer and chronicler of the Squad, who finds himself in the grip of mysterious spells, begins to comprehend the course of the ominous game - one in which both people and gods are nothing more than pawns.