Across the lands of Arran, a secret alliance known as the Black Widow seeks to eliminate the ancient races by using a drug designed to weaken elves, dwarves, orcs, and other peoples of Aquilon. To oppose this threat, Dunnrak and Hidden create the Company of Outcasts and gather fighters determined to prevent their extermination. Their resistance draws them into a large-scale war in which kingdoms, cities, and peoples must choose their side. Between battles, fragile alliances, and betrayals, the conflict gradually threatens to reshape the balance of the entire lands of Arran.