Olaf Stenson has been called Olaf the Unlucky for most of his life. Since the accident that twisted his leg and relegated his status to a glorified servant, he had given up hope for a normal life. Then his long-lost uncle shows up and wins control of the family elevating his status once more. Along with his new-found family status, Olaf is given new responsibilities. The Empire of Jewel is marching against his uncle's fledgling Kingdom of Haven and Olaf is tasked with finding a way to aid his uncle. He is sent to the Eastern Confederation to procure aid against the empire. Suffering from his own internal demons of self-doubt and grief, he attacks his mission with as much gusto as he can manage, but has he learned from his previous mistakes? In order to succeed, he must form odd alliances and thread the needle of daunting Eastern politics. Has he learned enough to recognize friend from foe, and above all, keep his own dark impulses from destroying his efforts? The fate of the Kingdom of Haven is depending upon his success.