As Ian Krystal and his Clansmen travel the outskirts of the kingdom, he discovers that his father's legacy of conquest has left many of the people scattered and bitter. The Lord of Maps charts the kingdom and the clan chronicles continue. But it may be that they are changing the past and creating the future. Krystal vows to make amends but the wrath of a winged beast causes Petrich to invoke the dark for their protection. A new start for the King means recalling the clansmen to Skye but their disappearance defies his will and they must battle for their lives. King Blackpool plans an arranged marriage and an outpost to expand his kingdom which includes Little People, River traders, hidden beasts and a mysterious dark curtain that will cloak the mountains. Krystal's allegiance to the undeserving King requires them to slay gnarled beasts, tame cannibals, cheat death and challenge a dragon in a battle they are sure to lose. As Blackpool's kingdom shatters, the Clansmen return as champions of the people to avenge all that they have lost. The King might flee, but the darkness could swallow them all.