Publisher's blurb: Snow graces the exterior of this great dwelling, which has been carved into the very mountain itself. The outside world is silent, muffled—but danger lurks beyond, danger which caused the walls of the fort to be lined with murder holes, the entrances barred, and branches sharpened and buried to deter unwanted visitors. But, perhaps, the danger lurks within, also. Strange markings have been written at the feet of a great, barbed throne—markings written in blood. What have the harsh climes and isolation driven the inhabitants of this remote winter fortress into doing?