He’s spoken of only in whispers. His origins are a mystery. Some say that he’s descended from the last of the angels. Others say much worse. By all appearances, Rol Cortishane is just anotherruthless pirate roaming the lawless seas, raiding warships and slavers. But the truth is something far more complicated and dangerous than anyone can imagine, including Rol. Even as he seeks to escape his birthright, Rolis slowly discovering who-and what–he really is. But the revelation won’t come without exacting a terrible price from Rol and all he loves. Now a treacherous figure from his past has made hima proposition it would be fatal to turn down. Racing against time, Rol must chart a harrowing course across the sea, back to the beautiful Rowen and the people she would rule as Queen. With his steadfast crew-thebattle-scarred Creed, the mirthful halftroll Gallico, and a young escaped slave named Giffon-Rol will plunge headlong into a destiny as dark as they come. And toward a terrifying battle against an enemy asdetermined to destroy the world as Rol is to save it. From the Trade Paperback edition.