Athan is forced into an enthralling voyage in an empire rife with peril and mystery. As he investigates a gruesome murder, custom forces him to journey outside the empire's borders. Athan sets out on a remarkable pilgrimage with the help of his noble ancestry and unyielding sense of justice. Along the way, he meets alluring allies, dishonest allies, and bizarre creatures. He discovers his true goal within a web of political intrigue and private disclosures. Elena, a fiercely independent and extraordinarily competent warrior who becomes Athan's staunch partner on this incredible adventure, unexpectedly provides peace and friendship in the face of chaos and danger.