The Shadow Crown has rescued Darius from the clutches of the empire. Is it an act of mercy or do they have further plans for him? Ullani barely escaped capture, but she has lost her escort. Now she is left to cross the Ziyandi Desert alone. Can she get the invaluable Reliquary of Chung Oku Mai to Kasha Haaki on her own? Emperor Lao has captured the province of Shalanum, and his troops surround the fabled city of Kasha Marka. Will Magora fall next? Can the tide of imperial domination be stopped? Chungoku is once again shattered by civil war. New factions and new heroes emerge. The fate of the once great empire hangs in the balance as do the destinies of Darius, Ullani, and Emperor Lao. Which crown shall rise to determine the future of the nation?