Bardon and Kale are back, and they are on a mission to find Regidor and save Gilda, but actually their task goes far beyond that. The Pretender is stirring up trouble and the people of Amara have chosen to remain uninvolved, a decision that never works. All it takes for evil to grow is for good people to look the other way. Now, in spite of their desire for neutrality, evil has come to Amara. Paladin is dying and Wulder needs loyal warriors. But who can be trusted? Crim Cropper and Burner Stax are determined to destroy the new world, and trouble is closing in on all sides. Although Bardon and Kale are skilled in the art of warfare, only Wulder can help them now.