With the promise of divorcing Pavia, the Council of Lords elects Alric as King of Gambria. But promises are often broken, and Pavia finally realizes her life's ambition – she is now Queen of Gambria. Convincing Alric that Duncan is a threat, she demands Duncan disband the Templars. When Duncan refuses, she enlists other commanderie Lords to punish him. While her forces assemble to deal with Duncan, Pavia turns her attention to Alexis, for she has not forgotten the public embarrassment the Berserker gave her as well as the theft of the Kingdom's tarrac. With Alexis up in Aberhond under Duncan's protection, the problem may soon be resolved as the King and Queen set about eliminating every possible threat to their rule. Yet Duncan is not without friends and immediately lines up forces to counter Pavia's quest to marginalize him. Though the Twelve do not take sides in the internal affairs of the kingdom, Duncan can count on the support of Brenna and Alexis, as well as Slaven and the Templars. Unfortunately, while everyone's attention is diverted to the machinations of regnal power, Rugia finally makes good on its threat and is preparing to launch an attack through the forbidden forest.