Attacked and outnumbered upon arriving in Kendala, Tourm's small, peaceful envoy is forced to flee through the expansive Sea of Trees. Ambushed and afraid, they are unable to send word to the Crown regarding Kendala's betrayal. While they are hounded by monsters and highwaymen, the Kendalan army-led by their new power-mad monarch-strikes the seaside duchy of Nin. With their land conquered, the royal family struggles to maintain control. The King is unsure. The Crown Prince worries. Citizens panic. Warrior guilds, thirsty for blood and hungry for gold, squabble for a chance at the frontlines. Amidst total war, Orrick looks to his senior officers for guidance. But not all enemies fight under foreign banners, and blood washes away naught but disgrace. Relishing in violence, killing to reclaim Nin, can Orrick balance valor and bloodlust, or will madness and betrayal tear him apart?