Who would have thought a sword could be so much trouble? But Bloodletter is no ordinary sword. From the moment Cannivone grabbed it in a hasty moment of panic his life had changed. A voice spoke in his head enticing him to do violent things. Alone in self imposed exile, he wanders the land. It takes all his willpower not to give in to madness, while on the throne, a madman sits under control of a dark entity. Soon the king allies with forces from nightmare, plunging the kingdom into darkness. Far to the east a war has been raging led by a legendary figure in golden armor. When he is recalled from the battle and branded traitor by the new king, Ioras finds himself torn between duty to the throne and a vow given to his church. Surrounded by his battered army and aided by heroes, Ioras heads to the town of Fialscathac where a new foe awaits. Soon they find themselves on personal journeys. Two mages seek an ancient knowledge to combat the evil. A reclusive warrior and her two cats seek the pleasure of her God, A half-ogre finds the path to a different faith. A killer seeks release from a bond that enslaves him. Two renegade Gods use every tool at their disposal to undermine the wishes of the obsolete Pantheon. Meanwhile the heroes of Talantas are forced into the fray by destiny's hand. Pantania Pommel, now inside the sword, seeks to continue her reign of terror. A ragtag army of misfits and those turning from the king gather under Ioras' banner for one final fight. Drawn by the man's legend, for he is the son of Alinard. He is the Golden Child.