The tune of a thousand blades was but a humble Ljossfolk ballad. It told of the treacherous journeys, famous battles and spectacular glory in the days of Old Mercitania. Centuries have passed since those events, and a tough, year-long winter has forced Harald, third son to his lord father, into an unexpected exile. Finally, as spring reemerges, he can travel home alongside Halfden Urdinsan, one of his father's most loyal friends. The houses of Ljossgard were coming together at Nyrback's Keep to celebrate the coming of better times. It was a time for ale, wine and drunken dancing, amongst other things. But, when all hell breaks loose in the Keep's decadent halls at the hands of an ancient power's influence, Harald finds himself tossed into the centre of a changing world; one filled to the brim with dangers neither he – nor anyone – would dare to predict.