For centuries, the five greatest kingdoms of North and South Tembria have coexisted in peace. But the balance of power is destroyed when four of the kingdoms violate an ancient covenant and betray the fifth. Ithrace, Kingdom of Flames—ruled by the virtuous King Steveren Langene—is destroyed.When Baron Daylon Dumarch finds the missing heir of the slain king hidden in his pavilion, he decides to keep the baby’s existence secret, sending him to be raised on the Island of Coaltachin, where the Nocusara, a legion of legendary assassins and spies, are trained.Years later a young man named Declan unlocks the secret to forging King’s Steel, the apex of a weapon maker’s abilities known by very few. Yet this precious knowledge is also deadly, and Declan is forced to leave his home to safeguard his life.Soon, the two young men—an unknowing rightful heir to a throne and a brilliantly talented young craftsman—will discover that their fates are entwined. The legendary War of Betrayal that razed Ithrace has never truly ended. To protect their future, swordsman and swordsmith together must discover who truly threatens their world.