Fawnlum Raijum, a young, auburn-haired female warrior of a mighty barbarian nation, leads her comrades out into the world to make a name for herself, outside the control of her overbearing mother.  Instead of going to the obvious conflict taking place against an allied kingdom, she goes to a city suffering a more subtle threat, where she sees an opportunity to take charge of the battle, and win more personal glory.

Entering the fight and escalating the situation, she finds a more sinister force and higher stakes than she could have imagined.  If her strength and courage are not up to the task, then not only the city, but also the lands beyond horizons will be plunged into darkness, and death will be the only comfort.