The tribes of Frontier gather to undergo the Rite of the Emerald Claw, inviting allies to witness this memorable event. The Rite is eventually completed and Taren of the Ghosts is declared the holder of The Emerald Claw.

It is discovered that someone far back in the history of Frontier is interfering with time, changing Frontiers present. The identity of this man is revealed to be the Shepherd (also known as Iocus) and he is trapped and killed.

Merlin, former High Mage of Faerie, is finally rescued but dies the next day.

The Monarchs invade Salem, taking advantage of the disorganised state of the Shard to push their advance across the mainland, crushing all resistance in their way. Borganghast and Florence are amongst those cities to fall and the papalcy is put at risk when the Pontiff is kidnapped and held hostage. Negotiations for her safe return break down when representatives of the Church of Avalon attempt to execute the Pontiff by shooting her in the head. She survives, but in the wake of this the Monarchs make off with new hostages, Queen Caroline of Avalon, Queen Elise of the Dryads and the mage Danan Nolwe.

The path of the dead on Salem is restored to the Tugend of Death.

Rumours begin to emerge from Dust of the sands moving and ancient places being shaken by earth quakes.