A coming-of-age novel of military fantasy, where peace has a price. Vaspien dreams of escape- from his quiet village and the small life laid out before him. When the Archon's army offers him a way out, he enlists in pursuit of purpose and glory.

But the deeper he marches into the empire's war machine, the more he sees the truth: this so-called peace is built on silence, fear, and obedience. When ancient powers stir and long-forbidden magic begins to return, Vaspien is forced to choose not only what kind of soldier he will be- but what kind of man.