L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series and concludes his four book story arc (From the Forest, Overcaptain, and Sub-Majer's Challenge).

The Mirror Lancer Alyiakal has been ordered to Mirror Lancer Headquarters and promoted to Subcommander, ostensibly to advise the high command on tactics—except Alyiakal's successful military campaigns have removed most external threats to the Empire of Light.

The external threats to Cyador are nothing next to the internal threats of a weak emperor controlled by his manipulative empress, a ruthless Merchanter clan embezzling the Empire's finances, an indecisive high commander of the Mirror Lancers, and a power struggle among the Magi'i.

Alyiakal will navigate the dangerous streets and politics of Cyador and meet his destiny.