Fifty years ago, Atesh the Conqueror invaded and overthrew the neighboring Kingdom of Ker. Now the aging Conqueror is faced with a serious dilemma-- he's running out of heirs.  When the Conqueror summons, you answer. Which is exactly why twenty-one year old prince Asho hightails it back to the capital, sunburnt and hungover. Also attending the meeting is Admrilia, Asho's overly accomplished cousin and childhood rival. The Conqueror's directive is simple: they both must learn to harness the power of the vengeful water god Thrysne, and accompany him on the Fourth Triumph; a yearlong military expedition around the empire, to be considered for succession.  Meanwhile across the empire, Nia-Uro lives under oppressive martial law. Tasked by the local legate to search for trophies for the upcoming triumph, the long tomb raider stumbles upon a relic of the Conquering- -- a wyrdstone-- which power the Conqueror desperately covets.