From the introduction: A curse has been cast upon the people of the Idaran Empire by the vengeful sea witch Eryn ‘Weepin’ Burga, turning the shadows of the living into insidious assassins. Cackling laughter emanates from each shadow as it is torn from the living. Within moments shadows leap from dark corners, all around, killing anyone caught in the gray light of dawn. The few who survive the initial onslaught are forced underground to live a life without light, without hope.