In an alien empire rocked by instability, Eth is forced to lead his people as their role expands. Their master is playing for high stakes and he'll risk anything and anyone to get what he wants. In the mad scramble for power, Eth draws the attention of the Emperor's Varangian Guard, a species famed for their uncanny ability to win any fight.
It's the worst possible time for scrutiny. He's discovered an uncanny ability of his own; one that makes our species a threat to the Quailu Empire.