Across the Velvet Sea of the Known Realms, the Empire of Ventoria stands on the brink of destruction. An army of both Orcs and Elves march on the once great capital, determined to bring its bloody rule to an end. For months, Damian Witter, the Emperor's Imperial Blade Dancer and nobleman of the Imperial Court, has been the only one able to push back the approaching hordes, but even his well trained men are no match for the sheer numbers of invading forces knocking at their gates. Driven to the brink of madness, Emperor Orwellen Casan Ventoria, orders Damian to do the unthinkable. He must release an ancient plague upon the land and cull the invading forces to ensure Ventoria's survival. Loyal to his Emperor, but not blind to atrocity he must commit, Damian sets in motion a plot that will change the very nature of the Empire, forever.