Princes are born, but legends are written with blood and steel. As first crowned prince of Infaria, the Empire that stands in the centre of the world, Vaan has lived in the shadow of his forbears. A master swordsman with no one to fight but his sword master, he dreams of riding to battle as his father and grandfather had done, and proving himself worthy of their legacy, and their throne. Yet dark things are plotting to change the shape of the map, and as Vaan prepares to enter the game of thrones, where the dangers of battle pale to those of court, war comes to set the empire ablaze. Alone and surrounded by foes that would deny him, it will take all his strength, skill and cunning to survive as he takes his first steps along the paths of destiny. But will his road lead him to glory or damnation?