The Guardians finally arrived at the gates of Kaseer, a formidable religious city state that is the seat of power of the Ashen Queen and her coven of Blood Witches. At the Gates, Zaldor reveals his skills in deception, Galen swears another blood oath, and Yannick desperately tries to keep everyone focused on their deadly serious task. But there are many distractions in the city, and their new conspicuous "ally" has an agenda of her own which comes with dire consequences.