Corban has been swept along by the tide of war. Here he will witness the birth of a rebellion in Nathair's own realm. Maquin is loose in Tenebral, hunted by Lykos and his corsairs. Elsewhere the flame of resistance is growing-Queen Edana finds allies in the swamps of Ardan. He has choices to make, choices that will determine the fate of the Banished Lands. Nathair has been deceived but now he knows the truth. They plan to bring Asroth and his host of the Fallen into the world of flesh, but to do so they need the seven treasures. At his back stands the scheming Calidus and a warband of the Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. The cunning Queen Rhin has conquered the west and High King Nathair has the cauldron, most powerful of the seven treasures. The Banished Lands are engulfed in war and chaos. They would be wise to seek out both, for if the Black Sun gains ascendancy, mankind’s hopes and dreams will fall to dust. But prophesy indicates darkness and light will demand two champions, the Black Sun and the Bright Star. Some are skeptical, fighting their own border skirmishes against pirates and giants. High King Aquilus summons his fellow kings to council, seeking an alliance in this time of need. Then there will be a war to end all wars. Sorrow will darken the world, as angels and demons make it their battlefield. Those who can still read the signs see a threat far greater than the ancient wars. But now giants stir anew, the very stones weep blood and there are sightings of giant wyrms. Although the giant-clans were broken in ages past, their ruined fortresses still scar the land. The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed shields in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Only when he loses those he loves will he learn the true price of courage. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king’s realm. A black sun is rising … Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors under King Brenin’s rule, learning the art of war.

John gwynne book 4