After only a year of being Prince Stephen's warrior guard, Thaddeus is faced with his greatest challenge ever--losing Stephen to the lung illness that has plagued him all his life. But as Stephen lies dying, a vision is given to Thaddeus, and he must follow it if his Vome and Varie is to be saved. In doing so, Thaddeus, Stephen, and Lieutenant Kinarr find themselves pawns of the Gods and victims of Stephen's older brother, Prince Megar, who plots to throw Stephen into slavery…and kill their father. When Thaddeus and Stephen are separated and forced into compliance by their captor, the Tearing of Souls begins, pushing Thaddeus to make the most difficult decision of his life.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains elements of rape or near rape.