Jorson Roctel, living in Otapmir--the last kingdom holding out against corruption--, has no intention other than living out his life gathering stones in the mine. Otapmir's miners have always disliked the army, for if they failed to pay their taxes on time, a family's provider could be taken and placed in the army by force. Thus, Jorson has been taught to avoid the army at all costs, but, by attempting to stop his father from being taken, Jorson receives that very fate. Jorson, drafted into the army, arrives days before the enemy begins a new campaign. Otapmir had been under attack for decades, but they were able to hold the enemy at the border (a wall dividing the island of Otapmir into two segments: that held by the enemy, and that still retained by Otapmir's inhabitants). It had never been expected that the half of Otapmir which had been captured would be retaken, and when a major victory brings Otapmir freedom, there could not be a more joyful country. But it's all more trickery by the great enemy strategist: Sirith. Otapmir's new commander is caught off-guard, and Otapmir loses the border--the only thing that had protected Otapmir for decades. Ouranos Polis, the capital of Otapmir, alone stands against the armies of Sirith. There remains only surrender or a final stand. Otapmir's citizens and soldiers are given the choice to follow their new commander or surrender. The new commander leads those who choose to follow him out of Ouranos, surrendering the last fortified city into the hands of the enemy, and marches away to prepare for his final stand. Otapmir has fallen. The only thing that keeps the spark of hope burning in the chests of Otapmir's last loyal soldiers is the news that their king vanished, and still lives.