Two friends-one an orc prince whose ancestral throne is threatened, the other an exiled half-elf-must fight to regain their families' power. Kiru the half-elf has a lot to live up to as the exiled son of the murdered King Ruken, monarch of the Kingdom of Blades. A fight with a wealthy, spoiled lordling has left him paralyzed from the neck down, but his masterful command of mana keeps his body strong and mobile. Accompanied by his imp familiar, William, and friends Brunhilda the dwarf paladin, Zhaden the gold drakonid rogue, and Mutt the kindhearted orc, he's on a mission to recover his father's lost treasures, scattered across Alterra. Mutt has never cared all that much about his clan, the M'Baku, which has ruled their homeland of Imakandi ever since its founding after Ragnarok. In truth, he's been too busy hunting and fighting, content to let political matters handle themselves. But his carefree attitude changes when he and the other members of Pandemonium discover a faction within the nation that threatens all who dwell there. Now, one of Mutt's clan must endure the Proving, a set of trials that will determine whether they're fit to lead-and keep the throne in the family. Kiru makes a deal with Mutt and his sister, queen regent Myev, to help them secure their ancestral throne if they agree to assist him in retrieving his father's items and getting the orphaned sacred beast who has attached to them safely home. As he strives to attain the rank of Ruby and he and his friends fight for their families' position and legacy, they'll endure countless battles. And they'll need all the strength they can get . . .