At the opening of the novel Erik Von Darkmoor is helping to train soldiers for The Kingdom's armies while Rupert, at the height of his trading success, is coerced into financing the war.

Vast preparations are being made in Krondor, the anticipated point of invasion by the Emerald Queen's army, and all of Midkemia's allies - as well as some enemies - are being called upon to help.

Set right after Rise of a Merchant Prince, the story opens with Rupert Avery and Erik Von Darkmoor returning from their second voyage in the southern continent Novindus.

Word reaches that the entire continent of Novindus has fallen, despite their previous efforts to sabotage and delay the movement of the Emerald Queen's army.

On Nightmare Ridge, a huge fortification was constructed in tandem with the heavily fortified city of Darkmoor, with roads running the length to deliver supplies.

Meanwhile Pug and Miranda seek Macros, and use the powers of the Spellweavers in Elvandar to find him assimilating godhood as Sarig, the God of Magic.

The demon Jakan furiously transports himself to Sethanon, while ordering a full scale attack on the Kingdom Army.

Just when the citadel of Darkmoor falls, Nakor and a magician from Stardock intervene and use weather magic to create a storm of snow.

A Publishers Weekly review called the book's depiction of the fall of Krondor "gripping" but added that it was let down by "a pedestrian use of language and antiquated images of women".