Despite their tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows the Empire will return to Collegium. Yet even as he prepares the city for battle, these efforts are sabotaged. Ships sailing from Collegium's harbour are sunk by pirates, while others just go missing. Lulled by lies and false promises, Stenwold's allies are falling away too. He faces betrayal on every side, even as the Empire is poised to strike. Despite the city's military might and technology, it may not have the strength to resist. For others also covet Collegium's riches, and forces are massing in the darkness.