The first tale in both the saga of Kel, and the Refuge World; this is a tale of Kel's first Quest as part of the Tel'dai warrior society. The author believes in detailed, immersive worlds with well-developed cultures and characters, and this serves as a beginning introduction to the Refuge World as an example of such.

Kel, an unconventional Knight, confronts Zurst, a Warlord of intense military and personal power, in his first truly challenging duel since he completed his apprenticeship. Even beyond encountering survivors of Zurst's campaign across the plains, things do not go as Kel expects; nor do they meet the Warlord's expectations.

One with no family, one with a father from the forested mountains, one from the capital, one from the farm, and one from the ruins of centuries past. The children of Kyris come from many places, but sooner or later, all of them go to the same.

Every nation and ethnic group has its own unique culture, the ideology and philosophy which define its character. While Kel has entered many foreign nations, Kyris is unlike any other he has visited before, and when he's asked to fight on their behalf, he asks them to show him just what they want him to fight for.

Cheros, a city that was originally created as a trade center for farming on the Southern plains, but now also serves as one of the forwardmost reconnaissance bases for the Kyrian nation. Consequently, when a scout patrol in the Storm Belt picks up a young Warrior named Kel, it is to Cheros that he is taken.Unfortunately for Kel, hostile eyes see Cheros as a city with treasure ripe for the taking.

This is a direct sequel to Kel's Story, and will be somewhat confusing if the prior story is not read. Follows Kel as he encounters more of the denizens of the Blasted Lands, and moves South towards the mainstay of the Warlord's forces.