Coriolane Aureus IX, almighty ruler of the Divine Empire of Merone, has been on the throne for over four hundred years. Made immortal by mysterious magic, supported by a formidable imperial army of slaves, scholars, soldiers, and sorcerers, his power is absolute and unquestioned... until now.

As rebellions brew and intrigue swirls, as whispers spread and the emperor becomes more bent than ever on launching on a war to end all wars, one of the greatest magical weapons of the ancient world has finally been found. The Ring of King Tselmun can grant its wielder awesome power, but only at an equally terrible price. As competing factions scramble to seize it for their own, as long-buried secrets come to light and plots, battles, and betrayals shake the empire to its foundations, the struggle it sets off will change the course of history.