History is written by the victors.

Picking up moments after the events in Contingence, the Red Rover crew are faced with an imminent threat that could destroy everything they hold sacred. Much of this world is a barren landscape so ravaged by war and resentment that separating the good from the bad would be contingent on which way the sand dunes blow:

Today’s rogue is tomorrow’s redeemer while yesterday’s freedom’s fighter is today’s tyrant.

The Paprijians, an ancient Kethyrian civilization, have been meticulously planning a covert operation to destroy their loathsome adversaries to the north, south and east, by any means necessary. This action being a direct violation of the abatement signed by each civilization, generations ago.

Having lamented the ignominy of witnessing these invader societies usurp their authority and stature on their historical lands while they themselves have languished in despair and destitution, the Paprijian order, led by the charismatic Menphemas, are determined to right a great wrong.

If suffering must be the law of Kethyrie, then it must be felt equally. That is how strong in his convictions Menphemas is. Unfortunately for him and his kind, the only thing standing between him and certain victory is a plucky little group of young people who seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the wrong time.

One nation’s savior is another nation’s brigand.