The height of winter did not stop the civil war tormenting Kurald Galain, the Urusander legion is preparing to march on the capital. His opponents' forces are dispersed after Chief Anomander sets out to find Andarist's brother. The last of the brothers, Silhas Ruin, rules in place of Anomander, trying to rally the troops of noble families and restore the Hastov Legion in the south, but his time is quickly running out. The officers, led by Hunn Raal, wish that Consort Dragonus be expelled and Veta Urusander, lost in dreams of justice, take a place on the throne next to the living goddess.