Since the fall of the interstellar communications grid, Countess Tara Campbell has been leading the Repbulic-loyal Highlanders and protecting the world of Northwind as best she can. Paladin Ezekiel Crow's arrival in anticipation of harder times ahead is a mixed blessing for Campbell. But when the Steel Wolves arrive with a bold new leader and an ambitious plan for conquest, Campbell's happy for any help Crow may offer... no matter what secrets he may carry.

The fourth in the new MechWarrior series and the first book in a trilogy within the series. The trilogy will tell the story of a dirty war fought for financial, political and territorial profit.