Dorien has played all of the games. He has won Vocan's Tournament, defeated his oldest foe and won back his home and his title from Old King Alfric. But now his life is no longer a series of games, to fail now is to die. Dorien returns to Hovalli and must balance what he wants with what is best for his city and for the empire. With new friends, old allies and unexpected enemies the real test now begins, and all of Hominum is watching. Set just days after the contest between Prince Dorien and Inquisitor Samil, and leading up to the final battle at Vocans from 'Battlemage', this is the second part of the Hovat story.