Scrambling to prepare for the imminent invasion of their homeland, the Knights of Alcea respond in unorthodox ways. On the home front, the Alceans set out to design devious traps that will lessen the incredible odds facing them. In Zara, Knights of Alcea and Alcean Rangers set their sights on the heirs to the Federation thrones. On both continents, a campaign of disinformation is begun with the Alcean spymaster personally throwing himself into the very heart of the enemy's camp. But neither are Alutar's minions standing idle. The Claws of Alutar strike deep into the heart of Alcea, bringing death inside the walls of Tagaret, and the Great Demon's forces gain a decisive victory by finding something that was never supposed to be found. The world is rushing to war at a dizzying pace, and there is no way to stop it. Or is there?