While Conner goes into self-exile in the Taran Empire, the world around him continues on its collision course with great forces from the past. The being known as the Deceiver has brought back great powers to the realm of Man, awakening a lost race who aims to protect the world from the dark forces they had thought were eradicated eons ago. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends as the tiny kingdom of Karmon becomes the center of intrigue and suspense.