The quest of the Seven Swords nears its end, and dark powers rise to seize the world.  Ridmark Arban has learned the terrible secret at the heart of the Seven Swords. Now he need only escape Urd Maelwyn, the grim city ruled by the dark elven tyrant known as the Confessor. But few who enter Urd Maelwyn ever leave alive. And the Maledicti priests will kill to protect the secret of the Seven Swords.  The quest of the Seven Swords has been a trap all along. For the dark elven tyrant known as the Sovereign will use the power of the Swords to ascend to godhood and enslave the world for all time. And only Ridmark Arban stands in his way.