After triumphant return from Persidia, Arian sits in council with his monarchs and commanders to craft strategies for war against the elusive aggressor that continues to wreck innocent lives. He seeks help of other kingdoms and receives surprising responses. He then leads his forces to Kilani where they bivouac on Kalazar's estates. Meanwhile, the enemy strengthens their armies for outright onslaughts to wrest the crowns of Nehemia and Zennara. Once entrenched in Kilani, Arian, posing as an assassin for hire, embarks on a perilous journey leading to discovery of their plans. After a series of relentless offensives, final confrontation occurs in four battles where the toll of war leaves Arian smoldering, for he finds neither comfort nor triumph in death and desolation descending on friend and foe alike. However, the shadow of Glenore looms over his consciousness as recurrent reminder of his failure to find his love, but he remains true to himself and faces his responsibilities in one way: Arian's Way.