The Empire has won, but fierce political struggle inside it gives the rebellious Varg a new chance. Senator Cornelius Marcellinus, the uncle of Sophia Justina, is consumed by an unshared passion for her, yet he is ready to snatch power out of her hands. He reveals the brutal secrets of the Narbonnian War and accuses Sophia of shameful failures in the campaign. Seeking support, Sophia hurries to Memnon, the sacred city of the Amorians, to the mysterious servants of the Temple of Fatum. There she remembers their commandment again: the gods do not make people strong— the gods choose the strong!
The young princess Sophia Justina, the real ruler of the Empire, tries to help Krun and stop Varg’s rebellion. The currents of sympathy between her and Varg grow stronger, but they are enemies—this is not their choice, but the choice of the gods themselves, who divided the barbarians and the Amorians.