A Pariah amongst dwarves, Tovak bears the burden of his people's disdain and his family's disgrace. And yet, Tovak has proven himself in battle, shown his courage in risking life and limb to save his comrades. Though not everyone accepts him, he has finally found his place as a skirmisher and member of the Baelix Guard Company.

Armed with his faith in his god, ample determination, and unquenchable courage, Tovak soldiers forward. Dispatched on a dangerous mission against the Horde that could mean life or death for his people, his section is sent behind enemy lines. Everything hinges upon the mission's success.

However, something is not quite right with Tovak. He can feel a power he does not understand building within, guiding his steps forward towards what seems to be destiny. He fears he is losing his mind, but he will not shy away from duty, for in the struggle to come, the warband needs every sword. And make no mistake, desperate times and hard fighting lie ahead. Tovak might just be the key to his people's salvation, or perhaps even their downfall... for the gods are involved in the fight that is to come.

Struggling against his past, and the stigma of being a Pariah, Tovak must unravel the meaning of this power building within him and forge his own destiny-or die trying.

Set upon the world of Tannis, some years before the arrival of Karus and the Lost Legio IX, this book is a Last War novel.