From the author of Lords of Deception comes the first of a double prequel: a medieval adventure on the frontiers of the New World of Pemonia, set nearly eight hundred years before Arasemis rekindled the secretive order of Candlestone assassins. Craving the adventures of his past life as a colonial knight, Rildning joins an expedition to seek allies among the natives of Pemonia. When the mission goes awry, Rildning learns the true objectives-gold and blood. Feeling betrayed by the empire and haunted by his past, he pushes onward in search of a lost companion. Rildning struggles to survive the wilderness only to be taken captive by natives. By abandoning his old life and enduring the natives' trials, he earns their respect and finds a new purpose-and even love. As the imperial legions threaten the natives' capital, Rildning discovers an ancient prophecy that could bring the Old and New Worlds together…or forever keep them at war.