For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies - elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon." "Far from city politics in the Calderon...

When the High Lord of Kalare enters into a dangerous alliance with the Canim, and treachery destroys the Aleran army's command structure, an inexperienced, young Tavi of Calderon leads a poorly equipped legion against the Canim horde.

"Tavi of Calderon, now recognized as Princeps Gaius Octavian and heir to the crown, has achieved a fragile alliance with Alera's oldest foes, the savage Canim. But when Tavi and his legions guide the Canim safely to their lands, his worst fears are realized.The dreaded Vord--the enemy of Aleran and Cane alike₇have spent the last three years laying waste to the Canim homeland."--Publisher's description.