After successfully completing their mission in the Raimead Mine, Rinder's Six set off for the southern front with orders to report to Fort Lowfield. Once there, they were to join with Rinder's troops and launch an effort to recapture Fort Dillend, meeting up with troops from Fort Mitchend, under the command of Sir Moore, who would attack from the other side.

But before reaching Lowfield, one of Rinder's Six, Crayne, is contacted by Dire Luthor. Luthor, a wizard and a member of the ancient and powerful Red Dragon School, pleading for Crayne and Rinder's Six to help him: He had been charged (but recently escaped captivity) with the murders of Captain Frond of Fort Mitchend and Sir Logan of the Knights of Rinder, but professes his innocence and confidently maintains he was framed. Crayne and Rinder's Six agree to meet the powerful illusionist, and are convinced not necessarily of his innocence, but that his help in the coming Battle of Dillend was worth the time spent investigating and clearing his name.

Dire Luthor leads Rinder's Six deep into Caerloon territory, into the heart of large army camp led by the Baron General Wade III. Once inside the camp, Rinder's Six steals a map with the Baron General's war strategy and learns of his plans to conquer the Kingdom of Rinder. But his son, Robert Wade IV, also strikes an interesting, if not questionable, relationship with Emmalya Sunderlund of Rinder's Six. Emma learns, however, while assuming the role of one of Rinder's aristocracy, that the Baron General has enlisted the support of a powerful Duke within the Kingdom of Rinder! At the same time, the rest of Rinder's Six discovers two letters confirming Dire Luthor's suspicions and proving the involvement of the Red Dragon School in the nascent war.

After a hard-fought battle outside the camp, Rinder's Six and Dire Luthor stop in the northern-Caerloon city of Faren and spend the night in the derelict Temple of Lentyr. They then arrive at Lowfield, and after a brief battle of wills over Dire Luthor's innocence, join forces with Captain Wheeler and plan their attack on Fort Dillend. They learn, however, that they cannot count on support from Sir Moore and his men: they were all killed in an attack on Mitchend which razed the important fort to the ground.

With meticulous planning, blood, sweat, effort, and tears, Rinder's Six leads Wheeler and his small army in the assault on Fort Dillend. In the process, they manage to slay an enemy mage from the Red Dragon School and bring to justice Captain Sanford of Fort Dillend, the traitor.

But for victory in the Battle of Dillend, a heavy price was paid: One of their own, the paladin Edryd of Kalt, was killed after saving the life of his betrothed and then sacrificing his own for Emma. With heavy hearts, Rinder's Six looks to the future. To a Kingdom embroiled in war and falling apart at the seams. To hard choices of loyalty and allegiance. And to a monumental task which lies ahead.