The capital city, Sheathelm, has fallen. King Arioch struggles to keep hope as his alliance begins to falter. Those who were left behind in Sheathelm suffer as the orcneas announce that a trial will be held in the arena-a trial where the war itself will come into question as blame is thrust upon Arioch and his allies.Frustrated, Arioch feels helpless as the Trials of War unfold. All the while, time runs short for people of Sheathelm (and all on the continent of Buen) as the orcneas prepare to make their final move.