The first planetary survey of Lebonath Jas is about to begin, and the uncertainty of what the Expeditionary Forces will find is palpable. So much of what has happened makes no sense. No sense at all. Its citizens have no concept of coming together for protection or to affect positive outcomes, savagery is the norm, and religion is based on fear and self-righteousness. Why did the institutions fail? Who is responsible and where are they? What happened to the people? Why are whole continents empty? What is the terrible secret Lebonath Jas is holding? Konik, Ardenai and Teal are about to find out, amid unspeakable terror and unbearable sorrow.