Publisher's Synopsis
Valadir is on the cusp of another war with the heretical kingdom of Kalstar. The last war devastated the country and left a sickness in its wake. But Simon Schley, an apothecary's apprentice, has lived untouched by the ravages of war in a remote seaside village. That is, until a small Kalstarian army led by a black knight massacres his village in search of him. Young Simon is able to narrowly escape and sets out on a quest to learn the truth about his birth. Shortly after fleeing, he is taken hostage by the mysterious Bandit King Blackwell.
The two unlikely heroes find that they have more in common than they ever expected when they are forced to work together to seek revenge on the army that destroyed their villages. With the help of usurpers and unlikely friends, they uncover dark secrets that could destroy their newfound bond and the country they reluctantly attempt to save.
