Vendel Setranium is the often ignored third son of the king of Meninfel. When he unwittingly becomes the master of a cursed sword, he finds himself in the midst of a struggle between the Church, who believe this power is too dangerous for men to wield, and his father, who is willing to go to any lengths, including turning to forbidden magic, to keep his domain safe from their powerful neighbours who grow more belligerent with each passing day. Soon, the fate of a realm could rest on the shoulders of the young prince as he is forced to choose between his family and the greater good of the people.