The third book in the series is named By Heresies Distressed[1][2] Over the course of several months, Nimue Alban, known as Merlin Athrawes, has steered the Kingdom of Charis toward confrontation with Safehold's all-powerful Church of God Awaiting.

She remains concerned about the kinetic bombardment platform that "Archangel" Eric Langhorne used to kill her mentor Pei Shan-Wei, and most of her supporters.

Merlin barely manages to prevent the assassination of Staynair at the hands of Charisian church loyalists, who also destroy the Royal College.

The Group of Four urge all of the nations loyal to the Church to close their ports to Charisian shipping in an attempt to attack Charis via economic means.

One day, during a private meeting with Merlin, Staynair reveals himself to be part of a secret order which has uncovered irrefutable proof of humanity's true history.

Cayleb forms the Empire of Charis with Queen Sharleyan of Chisholm after arranging a political marriage to secure alliances for the long war ahead.

Cayleb also reaches out to his father's archenemy, Prince Nahrmahn of Emerald, incorporating him into his government and arranging another marriage to seal the deal.