The crusade in the northern kingdoms advances at a frightening pace. Armies of men and Goblins clash on snow barren fields, locked in the brutal struggle for nothing else but survival. King Badron has conquered Rogscroft and claimed the throne for his own but all is not well. His enemies are scattered, divided, but a new effort is underway to sweep Rogscroft clear of all invading armies.

Harnin One Eye has assumed control of Delranan, effectively cutting Badron's army off from reinforcements and desperately needed supplies. Under the influences of the Dae'shan, Harnin methodically transforms Delranan into a kingdom of depravity and murder. His agents pursue the rebellion, driving them all to new acts of violence and desperation.

Bahr and his band of heroes departs fabled Venheim in search of the Blud Hamr: the sole weapon capable of halting the dark gods' aggression for good. Their trek is long and filled with peril. The city of Trennaron is far to the south and in order to reach it the heroes must travel through the Dwarf lands of Drimmen Delf where they stumble upon a civil war. Hope fades as the heroes begin to realize how difficult their task is.