With his life in tatters, Wintrow must flee Ralyton, his home. With Wallace and Eldridge, he must try to keep Kindred from falling into disarray, but the rot of Kindred is at the core and it is that which he must try to cleanse.Meanwhile, in Anguish, one of the Emperor's Lieutenants has a secret that has been harder to keep with each day that passes. When he is sent to conscript more young men and women into the Emperor's army, he will no longer be able to keep his secret. He will be forced to flee to Kindred.