From the publisher: Beacon of Hope, Sanctuary of Shadows Byzantium Secundus - the center of the Known Worlds and seat of the Empire. There is no more important or intrigue-laden world, for here the fates of millions are determined. The destiny of humanity is in the hands of the royal ambassadors, Church fathers, merchant princes, alien envoys and underground conspiracy groups all vying for the Emperor's attention and favor. From here, Alexius' knights fan out across the Known Worlds and beyond on their quests for glory. What they fail to realize is that the greatest adventures wait in their own backyard. For Byzantium Secundus is a world like no other. Its darkest pits hide unimaginable evil. No one shows his true face, preferring to hide behind masks both beautiful and grotesque. The most powerful figures meet here to scheme, plot and act. Victories here can lead to undreamed of glory. Failure leaves its mark forever.