Duncan's ambitions have been destroyed. Removed as High Priest, he and his pregnant lover have been exiled to the wastelands, a land so desolate that it's merely a matter of days before their dried-up shriveled bodies are food for the jackals. Unable to save Duncan, Alexis retreats to the Tarrac pastures only to discover her adoptive father Menec has decided he's had enough of palace intrigue and is off to the far north to find out what happened to his father all those years ago. Unfortunately, as the new Tarrac Master and nation's Berserker, Alexis' loyalty and obedience are demanded by the very man who sent Duncan to his death. However, things aren't going too well for King Diad as he finally realizes he has run out of time and quickly discovers he doesn't have the necessary forces to prevent his brother's quest to rule Gambria. With his brother marching on Mull, Diad must find a way to save himself. Back in the Temple, life seems to have returned to the dark days when Vix was High Priest as Cattwg has finally achieved his greatest ambition. Yet there are many in the Temple who remember the vibrance of life during the brief time when Duncan was in charge. Though they are silent, their thoughts are the same - if only Duncan was still here.