Twin brothers, Herth and Tarn's simple country lives are thrown into turmoil when they learn war has invaded the borderlands of Manaki. With their village expecting imminent attack, the locals are forced to make a decision colder than any winter; abandon all that they know and flee south to the great cities, or lay down the iron of their trades and take up the steel of swords to defend their homes and families. Facing choices most men would run from, the boys must discover if they possess the skill and courage to raise a blade between themselves and death. A death at the hands of an enemy that has sacrificed countless generations to spill their blood.