A mercenary regiment calling itself the Black Detachment, finding itself in a hopeless situation, is forced to enter the service of the Forces of Darkness. Their employer becomes Soul-Stealer—one of the most mysterious figures among the Ten Taken: ancient sorcerers resurrected after centuries of mortal sleep... What role is destined for the Black Detachment—will they be the ace up the Dark Forces’ sleeve or just expendable pawns in their intrigues?