Those who drink the water shall thirst for blood. They shall be as wild beasts. A blood curse is consuming the Seven Kingdoms. Only one man can stop it-fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld. But Harkeld has a bounty on his head and assassins at his heels. Guarded by Sentinel mages, pursued by Fithian assassins, Prince Harkeld begins the most perilous stage of his journey: entering the cursed kingdom of Sault. But the mages aren't the only travelers heading east. Princess Brigitta, abducted by Fithian assassins, is also bound for Sault-unless she can escape. And in close pursuit is her loyal armsman, Karel. Young orphan, Jaumé, is also headed for Sault, where he will be forced to make decisions that will change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms forever.