Why do we build walls? The Empire: ancient as the mountains that it was built upon. For as long as anyone can remember it has stood, protected and enshrouded by the Darkening Wall: the ever present barrier that lets in light but keeps the people isolated from the world around them. Only now the Wall is failing and a terrible sickness envelopes the land. With the demise of the wall magic, and perhaps the Gods themselves, are returning. But is the Empire ready? Now, as her world stands on the brink of civil war, the First Daughter of the Emperor must journey to find the truth behind a secret that has long lain silent: a secret whose impact she may yet be unable to escape.