AMONG THE ASHES of the mighty Aelfan Empire, the House of Gregyan seeks to forge a new kingdom?one where both Huthan and Aelfan alike can prosper. But old prejudices and ancient traditions and an exiled enemy threaten the peace. Caught between compassion for his home and allegiance to his fallen empire, Grant Scotland finds himself trapped in the turbulent machinations of enemies and friends. As he works to uncover mysteries about his past and new threats to his future, he moves perilously close to revealing his identity and losing everything.