Years ago, when violent purges plunged Dún Aulin into chaos, Warden Esben Berengar was sent to restore order by any means necessary. He did so with such brutal efficiency he became known throughout Fál as the High Queen's Monster.

All is not forgiven.

When the hunt for a mysterious enemy leads Berengar back to Dún Aulin, an old friend's request thrusts him headfirst into danger. In the Ceremony of the Cursed Blade, the sword used by the Lord of Shadows in his conquest of Fál will change possession, and it's up to Berengar to keep the blade from falling into the wrong hands.

To do that, he'll have to survive vengeful goblins, bloodthirsty monster hunters, Leinster's powerful Thieves Guild, and worse.

Much worse.