Some lies cut deeper than any sword.War has come to the fragile city-state of Carenos. A self-proclaimed 'King of the South' sows destruction among its outlying villages, cutting a bloody swathe towards the capital. As smoke from the burning wheat fields blackens the sky, Carenos beseeches its northern allies for aid.Dexios, general of the Thenean phalanx, is one of those chosen to answer the call. After braving the tumultuous Sea of Scales, he arrives in Carenos at the head of three hundred hoplites, determined to put an end to the enemy incursion.One threat, however, can often hide another.Something is stirring in the shadows of the sun-drenched lowlands, an age-old legend, abandonedand forgotten. Drawn from its den by the need to satiate its ravenous hunger.And the enticing scent of blood.