THE STAND: The third Book of Dooms comes to a dark and bloody conclusion as the High King has seemingly abandoned Abenton, sailing with his forces across the estuary, leaving his rear guard and the Highlanders to face the great Thessid host preparing to besiege the port city. The Thessid Sultan Agameen tep Marahet comes to ask for their surrender, and as Artesia rides forth with Queen Myrina of Amora and the Baroness Elizabeta to meet him, she prepares one last display of resolve.