"I've been a slave since I was a boy. Now I'm free... or I thought I was."

Haunted by restored memories, Aldan-the arena fighter known as Clanless-wants only to recover from his trauma and spend his new freedom with his beloved Kekeen. Unfortunately, his desires mean nothing to those seeking power in the chaos following the Hawk King's death.

Dragged away by a new master, Aldan and his fellow arena fighters search for an escape in the midst of a confusing journey through the wilds of High Winter. Left behind, Kekeen navigates the rebellion's new politics, baffled by the altered behavior of their triumphant leader.

Danger stalks both Aldan and Kekeen from blood-wraiths, cultists, beastmen, scheming Lords, and arena owners. But looming over all of it is the shadowy figure of Suirel, the god of chaos. Suirel longs to walk the surface of the world himself, unleashing his dark powers. But to do so, he needs a host, someone searching for power for himself. And the perfect candidate is about to walk into his grasp.

Aldan fights to regain his too-brief freedom, but will he be willing to fight for something far greater?