The time has come for the great battle. The armies of Emperor Magnus have marched from the south, bent on converting their adversaries to the worship of their god by any means necessary. Rising up against them are the combined forces of Kriss and her new husband, King Taljar... whose identity will finally be revealed. The survival of the Northmen will rest on their courage, their loyalty, and the powers of their king and his lieutenants—as well as the bravery of their queen.