From the author of the internationally acclaimed Orcs series comes a powerful new epic fantasy to rival the work of Raymond E. Feist and David Gemmell.

Cursed with immortality and episodes of uncontrollable, beserk fury, Reeth Caldason is desperate to find a cure for his magical affliction. His search has brought him to the island state of Bhealfa, ruled by a despot and trapped between two powerful rival empires. Here, after decades of carefully avoiding all personal attachments, he finds himself entangled with a Resistance movement intent on founding a utopia free from tyranny.

The paladin clans, a fearsome order of mercenary knights who provide government security, are determined to crush the growing rebellion. Devlor Bastorran, the dangerous and cruel heir apparent to the clan leadership, is plotting a grotesque revenge against Caldason, having been bested by him in a humiliating and very public swordfight.

But Caldason has other problems to contend with. The rebels have chosen an island location for their new state. Before it can be occupied, a large quantity of gold must be delivered to its legal owner. Caldason is the natural choice to head this sensitive mission - but he soon discovers that a powerful new enemy covets both the gold and the island, threatening to destroy the whole fragile venture before it's even underway.