Seemingly abandoned as a child, King Julian struggled from the very start of his reign. Many believed he was an imposter behind that dreaded mask, unworthy of his mother s throne. Over the years, however, he crushed rebellions and riots, silenced lies and slander, and brought the entire north of Varrya under his rule. This was a remarkable feat, given the torment he endured in his youth. But now, the fragile peace he forged has been tainted. Ancient foes, masters of manipulation and deceit, threaten to tear his realm apart. The tale begins here, on the brink of war with an enemy unlike anything Julian, or indeed anyone else, has ever faced. The Skahl, bringers of death and malice, have landed in force, leaving Julian with a desperate choice: rally his people and fight or bow to survive.