An empire fractured, the continent turmoil. Sir Edwin Saker, knight commander to the late Queen Leone had carved his fortune in the continental wars. His rise from a foreign mercenary to kingmaker is a tale told from the Blackstone Isle to the Imperial Reich. He is the Briar Thorn, the Crowns censure, warlord of the nation. As conflict with the Reich once again looms over the Auburn Kingdom, the Briar Thorn is once again recalled to the Crowns service. With the Reich ascendant and his debt to destiny due, the Briar Thorn answers the call. This is the story of his rise and fall.