From Introduction: From the ashes of a shattered empire, a new threat arises. Never before, in living memory, have the gargoyles been brought together and unified. But now they gather — and more! Already counted the greatest among them, the Stone King is not content merely to sit upon his throne, between the petrified skulls of his enemies, and rule over his own kind. He has studied the arts of magic for long years, and he has plans to fulfil.