The Priesthood, heads of propaganda in The Old Guard gets to work by spreading news of the traitors treachery, and declaring marshal law within the city. They also declare Robert Heartglen a traitor, and warns anyone against trying to help him that they will be considered equally complicit.

Robert Heartglen fight's on the front lines abroad against the orders old enemy, the sea raiders. His battalion and the Commander find and defeat the raiders leader, severing the head of the enemy. The Commander and his loyal troops execute prisoners, leading to a conflict with Robert and other soldiers. The Commander sends Robert back to Zenith Elise with secret documents looted from the enemy. He never sees the other protesters again.

When Robert arrives home he reports to the Grand Master and the council. The Grand Master is pleased with the victory, but shuts down Heartglen's protests about killing civilians. Robert is ordered to take respite. After spending visiting the streets of Zenith Elise, Robert visits an old friend of his father. He discusses the events that took place abroad, and his father's friend reveals that the order holds many more secrets. He tells Robert that he always suspected the Grand Master of killing his father. Robert return's to the Order's keep to find evidence. He find's the order given outlining the Grand Masters betrayal. He also discovers the documents he brought back from the sea raiders, proof of The Old Guard destroying The Summer Isles 200 years ago. Realising the extent of the corruption within The Old Guard, his life changes forever.

Robert realising the enemy draws ever closer, manages to send the evidence by raven to the Southern Magi.

Robert reaches The Old Guard ruins,where the heroes of the order lay in rest. The Holy Light is strong here, and Robert hopes the dead will look over him. It is here where Robert is confronted by The Holy Light's Retribution and his entourage. A skirmish takes place, and Robert is able to win. He kills three men and injured the leader with his father's spirit watching over him. Robert has secured his escape, going into exile and hiding. The Light's retribution vows vengeance.

The southern Magi receive evidence of The Old Guard's corruption and atrocities. Reluctant to break a tenuous peace, they offer the Grand Master a chance to surrender. A meeting is arranged.

At this meeting, the head of the Southern Magi and The Old Guard come to blows. A fight ensues, and both sides suffer casualties.

Fearing the Southern Magi will spread word of the corruption over the continent, the Grand Master and priesthood spread propaganda, telling of the Southern Magi's apparent coup to seize power. War is declared, and the continent descends into years of chaos.