In Maligant’s absence, a new deity of war, Tormach, has taken on the fallen god’s followers. But Tormach is a daemon of wrath and brutal force, a blunt weapon compared to Maligant’s keen blade. His perpetual demand for sacrificial bloodshed has kept Unterland at war for years. Speaker Schiel dreams of putting the entire province under his rule, but must bide his time and curry favour with the imperial government first. Many fear he will try to undermine General Roemer’s command.