Battle is imminent and the commander of the Toxies believes the end is in sight. But what if there is more to fear than he expected.

Aaron stumbles into the royal chambers and Sarai recruits him for her plan.

Humans are the uniting force in Duryan. Their kings and queens brought peace and nationhood, which bridge the gaps between the clans. But through their political dominance they have inadvertently brought a division of species that too closely resembles master and servant. Now, the monarchy is crumbling and these divisions are taking on a new and terrible aspect.

There are no faceless enemies. It is time to meet the Revolutionaries.

The word is repeated with dread time and again... "Sekral". Tem will finally learn the deadly meaning behind the name.

In this week's chapter, it's time for Tem and his father to visit the great fortress, Tynshact. They meet with the Artorens and the young boy learns there might be more dangers in the world than revolution and rebellion. He also learns a few lessons about what it means to be a friend, what it means to be cunning, and perhaps just a smidgen... about girls.

Sentrus and Rhyn prepare their battalion for the fight of their lives. We meet Aaron and Gloat. And Sentrus tries not to embarrass himself in front of a pretty girl.

In this week's chapter we are finally introduced to the young queen at the center of so many hopes in our story. Young, but brave and kindhearted, she commands the love and devotion of her guards, the Artoren. Will she and her new commanding general, Mave Antwern, have the will to trust in themselves and their fellow soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds?

The commander of the Queen's guard has succumbed to his wounds. His young lieutenants must take up his mantle, but will they have the strength to bear it?

Tem and his father go into town and find it abandoned. Almost.