From the publisher: Emperor Alexius has sent his Questing Knights forth to bring back reports from all quarters of the Known Worlds on the state of his empire. The third volume surveys the Hazat Fiefs -- home to the militant Hazat, leaders of the star crusade against the heretical Kurgan Caliphate. The Hazat way of life is revealed at such places as: Sutek, humanity's first new world during the First Republic and home to untold Ur ruins; Aragon, seat of Hazat power; deceptively placid Vera Cruz; and war-torn Hira.