Still reeling from the massacre at Highever, Liam Cousland finds himself conscripted into the legendary Order of the Grey Wardens. Along with two fellow recruits, Liam must travel south to the Korcari Wilds, where the first great battle of the Fifth Blight will soon be fought. But Liam's first desire is for vengeance...

In the seaport city of Highever, far from rumored unrest in the southern Wilds, young Liam Cousland believes his path is already set. Alongside his friend, Aeron Gilmore, he prepares for a life of civic duty; his only dream is a future with his lover, the elf Iona. But there are more than rumors in the Wilds. As the Fifth Blight dawns, tragedy and change loom over Liam's future...