In the distant western nation of Ogien, a cult takes power for themselves and installs a new Emperor. Aleks son Derek, a masked assassin working for King Nalan Artom, is sent to kill this Emperor and stamp out this cult before its poison spreads too far.  But what Aleks finds is so much more. In the mountain city of Wiernock, the Sons of Inan have harnessed powers shackled since Yurek’s creation. And in their midst walks an ancient god, with eyes set beyond the borders of Ogien.