The histories of Old Earth record that in the Year of Our Lord 778, Charlemagne’s rearguard under the command of Count Roland of the Breton March was ambushed and slain to a man. But Roland and his men were drawn through a magical gate, to a new and strange world of magic and deadly creatures. A world where every man, no matter what his estate or rank, no matter how poor or common or rich and influential, was born with the power of magic. But the magic of this world carries a deadly curse, and the price for abusing its power is ruinous. This, then, is the story of the kingdom they built, and the knight who would decide its fate.

Magic has been mankind's defense against the dark elves and the xiatami...but the Dragon Curse threatens to destroy all. When Tyrcamber Rigamond is sent to help defend the Empire's southern border against the xiatami, he expects a difficult campaign. He doesn't expect to find the sinister Dragon Cult.And their treachery might destroy humanity...

The Empire struggles for its survival against the dark elven hordes, and a new ally might mean victory or destruction. When the umbral elves offer to side with the Empire, Sir Tyrcamber Rigamond is sent to the Imperial Free City of Falconberg to help guard the Emperor's ambassador. But in the corrupt city of Falconberg, the treacherous politics of the merchant-lords might be more dangerous than the umbral elves themselves. And an ancient enemy might rise from the dust of the past...

Sir Tyrcamber Rigamond swore to defend the Empire, but the Empire is about to fall to the goblin hordes commanded by the malignant dark elven lord known as the Valedictor. The fate of the Empire lies in Tyrcamber's hands, and he will have only one chance to save mankind from enslavement at the hands of the dark elves. And that chance will cost Tyrcamber more than he can bear to pay...