It is a time of trials for the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth. Besieged by enemies, their once-mighty forces are struggling to simply survive-as is their leader...

Anson Marik is at his wit's end. His Lyran enemies-aided by the warriors of Clan Wolf-are pressing on the borders of the Commonwealth. His chief tactician wishes to resign in the middle of chaos. And his abilities as a leader are failing him-he finds himself unable to summon the legendary rage that focuses his mind-and the loss could not have come at a worse time.

For his allied enemies are on the move, taking the Commonwealth apart planet by planet, forcing Marik to pull his forces back in a fighting retreat. And if Anson Marik cannot gather his strength to stop the invasion, his people will be doomed...