The dark condemned man Max—formerly Baron Maximilian Valevsky—performs a heroic act. The Emperor personally wants to reward his hero, but a meeting with the ruler of the empire means only one thing: Max will have his former name restored. Only the mysterious forces swirling around the throne of the Zarak Empire have their own thoughts about how to use Max and his abilities. All that’s left is to bend the main character and force him to do what they need. But will Max agree to act as a puppet without will, in someone else’s hands?