"For centuries, the five great kingdoms of Andalane have coexisted peacefully. Then, Steveren Langene, King of Ithrace, known as "Firemane" for his brilliant head of red hair, is betrayed by his counterparts, and a bitter war engulfs the world. Ithrace, the Kingdom of Flames, is destroyed by battle, ending an ancient balance of power. As a Free Lord of Osean, Daylon Dumarch owes allegiance to no king, but knows it is unwise to betray any of them....