Book excerpt: Compelled to journey to an unknown land and spy on mysterious enemies, Alexander Tork assembles a small but deadly force for a voyage that may well be his last. Five Knights of Alcea, three Rangers, and three elves from Glendor set sail on a stolen enemy ship through uncharted waters to the homeland of the followers of Balmak. Guided only by a crude coastline chart found on the stolen ship, the Alceans find a vast continent that is preparing for global war. Journey to Zara with the Knights of Alcea as they discover strange new magics and encounter an empire that seeks to plunge the world into misery and despair.