'The Denova Empire is flourishing under Loethar's rule, to the surprise of many. Peace, prosperity and pride has swept across the realms as Loethar urges the invading people of the Steppes to integrate with the west. The harmony is his great achievement but Loethar is bored. So is Leo, the self proclaimed true king, living in seclusion in the forests. Now 22, he is eager to stake his claim and return the Valisar dynasty to the throne.
Freath, meanwhile continues his double life, secretly loyal to Valisar but working as sage counsel to the Empire. When he learns that the lost invalid heir, Piven, is alive he sets a plan in motion to find and reunite the brothers in safety.
But a new evil is stirring that none could have foreseen and only one person knows that the legendary Valisar Enchantment is rising. Soon the wars and destruction that formed an empire will seem a squabble by comparison to the darkness that is threatening.' (From the publisher's website.)