They were raised for war – just not this war.. Talaren Solus was brought up amidst his father’s worries over a looming war of succession trained from his youth in single combat and battlefield strategy. Rania Amoran is the last of a storied order of mystical warriors driven by a need for vengeance that she believes beyond her reach. Meeting at Valeran’s annual Harvest Tournament an immediate and irresistible bond of friendship forms between the two.. When the ruler of a neighboring nation unearths long-buried secrets of the forbidden art of necromancy Talaren and Rania are drawn into a desperate struggle to preserve the North from his dark ambitions. Taking up arms in defense of their homeland together they will have to confront the horrifying truth that against a foe who commands death itself victory can prove nearly as debilitating as defeat.