In a world where nothing is quite what it seems, a young scribe takes a job that will change his life forever. Arkamondos is hired to chronicle the activities of a band of mercenaries, led by an enigmatic foreign military commander, Captain Braylar Killcoin. But, what starts out as a secret mission escorting mysterious cargo quickly escalates into murder and sedition! Arkamondos must gain the trust of his employer - the secrets that Braylar and his soldiers are hiding could lead to death, or worse. At the same time, Arkamondos must learn the skills that will allow him to survive in the violent, unpredictable world he finds himself in. Unexpected allies from within the company reveal themselves and their intentions just as things become more dangerous for everybody. Jeff Salyard's brooding, debut fantasy novel explores the brutal politics of empire, and the searing impact that violence and dark magic can have on a man.