After a devastating encounter at his family's farmhouse, Alarik Lyall finds his life's path veering away from his dream and moving headlong into a nightmare. Rather than pursuing his plans for a future within the Merchant's Guild, Alarik is forced to enlist at the Lathe, an ancient training facility that shapes the kingdom's youths into elite legionnaires. He doesn't know why he has been sent to the Lathe, and he certainly doesn't know how to excel there. The one thing he does know is who is responsible for abducting his dreams: a mysterious man who he only recognizes as "the Driver." And with thoughts of the enigmatic man ever-present in Alarik's mind, he vows retribution for his ruined life and abandoned dreams. But first Alarik must survive the trials and challenges of the Lathe.