Decades after the fall of Cyador, its survivors have reestablished themselves in Cigoerne, a fertile country coveted by hostile neighbors in less hospitable lands. Young Lerial, the second son of Duke Kiedron, lives in the shadow of his older brother, Lephi, the heir to their father's realm. Lerial's future seems preordained: he will one day command his brother's forces in defense of Cigoerne, serving at his older sibling's pleasure, and no more....