The Nine and The Council of Darkness begin seeking replacements for the members they had lost during the conflict with Rachk'sha. Meanwhile, Ky prepares the Inheritance Ceremony he had to deny his triplets to protect them. Not wishing to see harm come to his children again, he, with The Lady's help, plans a uniquely special gift. Unknown to Ky, the old goblin had been absorbing residual magic by tracing the runes Ky placed on the walls of the goblin caves many years ago. Now the goblin craves magical knowledge and finds Mistress, an albino necromancer. Together, they plan to become gods in their own right. To do this, they must steal the power of one of the current gods. In the process they carve a path of deception, betrayal, and blood.