The thrilling conclusion to the 'deftly and originally executed' (Booklist) New York Times bestselling Raven's Shadow trilogy from the author of Blood Song and Tower Lord. After fighting back from the brink of death, Queen Lyrna is determined to repel the invading Volarian army and regain the independence of the Unified Realm. To accomplish her goals she must not only rally her loyal supporters, but also align herself with forces that possess the strange and varied gifts of the Dark, and take the war to her enemy's doorstep. Victory rests on the shoulders of Vaelin Al Sorna, Battle Lord of the Realm. However, the Volarians have a new weapon on their side that Vaelin must destroy if the Realm is to prevail: a mysterious Ally with the ability to grant unnaturally long life to his servants. And defeating one who cannot be killed is a nearly impossible challenge, especially when Vaelin's blood-song, the mystical power that has made him the epic fighter he is, has gone ominously silent...