Shattered hope. Monstrous thralls continue their relentless assault on Aredia, demolishing cities and twisting innocent people into demons. Mages, blamed for the thralls, are more feared than ever - even more so after the destruction of the hematite mine, which has crippled the sentinel order. Hearts in crisis. Bereft and blamed for the mine's loss, Kali is brought to the capital to account for her crimes...