Hessa - High Priestess of the Eangen - has forged an alliance between warring tribes and introduced her people to the true god. But in the remnants of the once great Arpa Empire three factions are vying for the imperial throne, and the vast well of raw magical power only accessible to the Arpa Emperor. Hessa must venture into the heart of enemy territory. A sinister new cult is on the rise, one with the power to suck the life from everything it touches. With enemies on every side and her fragile alliance beginning to waver, Hessa must decide who to trust - no matter what it may cost her...