Exiled by the very kingdom they helped save, Phynnaes-the first filamentalist in thousands of years-and his adopted elven brother, Andann, flee south for the ports of the Great Providential Lake, joined by Princess Amaelia of Eradael. Hunted by inquisitors and haunted by visions of a world consumed by flame, they race to the legendary Tower of the Dwarves. Time is running out-if they fail, the magic sustaining their world will collapse, and a forgotten god will rise again.Far to the south, Calcanus-branded a traitor and stripped of his rank-clings to a final chance for redemption. Taking up the mantle of The Pariah, a cursed warrior bound to die in service, he is sent to silence a heretic and uncovers a truth the fanatical Concordat would kill to keep buried.As darkness spreads across the land, it begins to creep into Phynn's heart as well. What he discovers will shatter everything he once believed-and force him to choose who he truly is.