An older warrior who has risen from barbarian roots to sit on a throne is drawn from courtly routines back into bloody action when dark sorcery and political treachery threaten his kingdom and his son; he must call on guile, battle skill and raw strength to lead daring raids, face supernatural foes and protect his heir, in a lean, hard‑edged tale of honor, fatherhood, aging and the violent clash between civilization and the wild.