For Gibben Nemesio, life hasn't been easy. Orphaned as a child and drafted into the army at thirteen, he's no stranger to adversity. He's fought hard for his coveted position as Seneschal Koal's understudy and ever harder to make certain his young brothers live to see adulthood. Gib is prepared to sacrifice anything to ensure those closest to him, from his family and friends to his mentor and even the missing piece of his heart, remain safe. But the stakes are higher than ever before. His beloved country, Arden, is in trouble. The new ruler has just sent the army to war. Gib's world is shattered anew as he finds himself marching toward a dark and uncertain fate in the faraway sands of Shiraz. Even with so much to lose, Gib goes bravely. But bravery will only stretch so far in a hostile land prowled by ruthless raiders and other creatures too sinister to speak of-and all the courage in the world may not be enough to keep his family, friends, and Gib himself alive when they ride into battle.