The world of Candor is one of survivors. After thousands of years of war, destruction, famine, mending and rebuilding the worlds' inhabitants are no strangers to conflict or suffering. The newest danger to Candor is its darkest yet, threatening any chance of mankind's survival. The five Realms of Candor are forced back into war by the Groganlands who issue their technological juggernauts to attack the simple but rugged people of Lotte following a failed assassination of their leader, the Sar. Kull Shepherd's father is kidnapped, ripped from the burning furnace that was once his home in Lotte's logging sector. Willyn Kara's brother hovers between life and death, poisoned by an unknown assassin. Seam Panderean is the High King of Lotte, and the fate of his Realm rests on his shoulders as he attempts to take on his father's mantle and lead his people to peace and order. The destiny of these three are locked, on a course for an unavoidable collision as an ancient evil waits in the shadows, waiting to be freed from its bondage. There is only one hope for peace. The Keeper of the Keys must return.