The Clans, for generations, bided their time waiting for the right opportunity to appear from the Periphery and conquer the Inner Sphere. They risked all at the Battle of Tukayyid - only to be soundly defeated. The results were deadlier than they could ever imagine. For one devoted warrior of Clan Smoke Jaguar, the disgrace of Tukayyid has scarred him for life. And it is this tragedy that will change the universe forever, a treachery hidden beyond the Exodus Road.