When the longstanding peace is unexpectedly disrupted by a murderous cult, a young hero must rise up and lead the good people of Midstad against a threatening darkness that craves its long-awaited freedom. Ascension follows the young heir of Hestferd, Einar, on his journey of discovery and growth. This journey is started when a cult known as The Black Light announces via a grand assassination that their leader is the newest King of Frosum, the richest kingdom in Midstad. During their announcement, they mention an old, powerful being named Kemryr, whose name is usually only spoken of to scare children into obeying their parents. Bryntyr, King of Hestferd and Einar's father, sees Kemryr as a greater threat than others do. His worry encourages him to go in search of more information on Kemryr from a mysterious old friend. Einar tags along, which begins a whole whirlwind of events that sees a generally quiet young man get pushed into the forefront of a war that has much greater implications than he could have ever imagined.