In the fourth book of the series which started with "The Thief," Sophos is brutally beaten and captured in an attack on his father's villa. Sold into slavery, Sophos learns about hard work and loyalty from his slave master Ochto. He also learns that the affairs between Kingdoms have little impact on the slaves and peasant people. They simply pledge their loyalty to their new leader and continue on. It is the destruction of the land that disturbs them, when there is quarreling amongst the kingdoms, and the kingdoms are in deed at war against each other and the ever increasing influence of the Medes. When Sopho's Uncle, the King dies, Sophos must decide if he will assert himself as the new king of a Kingdom under attack or remain in obscurity.