Last Life

In a former life, Jack was a gifted problem-solver for wealthy clients — finishing jobs cleanly, efficiently, and without a trace. One day he picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. A mysterious supernatural being whisked Jack's consciousness into the body of Max Renard, illegitimate son of an executed traitor, now forced to dwell in a small town on the western outskirts of the kingdom. This new life — his last life — is the one he must lead.

No one knows for certain what caused the Shadow to come into existence. Clerics call it a divine curse; philosophers call it a milestone in human progress; mages simply accept it with all its horrors and wonders, and have risked their lives for centuries attempting to harness its power. Only a select few have access to knowledge about the Shadow's magic. Max Renard understands this — so he chooses a more hazardous path and heads for the frontier to experience the Shadow's power firsthand.

Max Renard's debt to the crown has been paid, and his doting uncle expects him to come to the capital at once to be wed to Viscountess Aurélie de Marbot. Max knows there's no getting out of this trip — but beyond personal affairs, he also has questions for his father's brother and several maternal relatives. He sets off for Herouxville to discover just how far blood ties can actually take him.

Konung Bjørn Sharptooth of Vintervald has announced a Great Trial — whoever emerges victorious shall wed the konung's daughter. Under an ancient ceasefire, sworn enemies must lay down arms and all worthy candidates may compete. King Carl III sends his youngest son Prince Louis north to take part, and invites Max Renard along as part of the embassy. While the powers that be think they have an obedient agent, Max has a plan of his own.

Back in Herouxville, Max Renard finds himself drawn into the dangerous game of courtly intrigue. King Carl III is ill and weakened, stoking tensions between the various princely factions at court. Foreign enemies exploit his weakness and ramp up their pressure. Max must find a delicate balance between his own interests and those of the powerful people around him — and he also has a new and formidable enemy, one against whom his usual methods are useless.

Having received the title of Margrave de Valier, Max sets off on campaign as part of the royal army to take control of his new lands — a region known as Shadow Pass, currently held by the Knights of the Order of the Scarlet Shield. His path takes him through Bergonia, a land wracked by war and dominated by Atalian legions under Ricardo di Lorenzo, the Golden Lion. Any misstep on this dangerous road could be his last.

The remnants of Duke de Clairmont's army are surrounded by enemy legions under the Golden Lion, and the Marshal himself is badly wounded. A relief force is assembling on the border under Prince Philippe — but it won't be enough to beat the Golden Lion in the field. Max's path to the Margraviate de Valier is clear, and he has the men to take control of his new lands. But the war in Bergonia isn't over, and Max knows exactly where the Golden Lion will strike next. There is really only one option: he must destroy this threat once and for all.

The Golden Lion has retreated to Atalia, leaving an anxious calm over war-torn Bergonia. With the burden of command finally lifted, Max heads north to the lands of the Margraviate de Valier — a region of frequent ebbs and flows, raids by Shadow beasts, and mysterious ghosts, earning its reputation as one of the most dangerous regions in all Mainland. Sworn enemies, unexpected meetings, and secrets from the past all await him.

A new ruler is ascending in Vintervald; the King of Astland dreams of an Imperial Crown; and the Golden Lion hungers for revenge. Meanwhile, Max returns to Fort de Gris after vanquishing one of the Elder Hrimthurs, having thrown a wrench into the plans of the Dark Ones who aim to destroy the world beyond the Barrier. This world is home to everyone Max holds dear. Defending it will require him to act quickly and decisively — whether his arrival was predestination or the result of a complicated web of intrigue remains a mystery.

Max has attempted to decipher ancient script to find answers, but all attempts have ended in failure. It's time for a new plan — and time to prepare for the enemy attack that is coming soon. The dark assassin's visit to the Fox Den was just the beginning. Beyond the renewed activity among dark forces, the fragile balance of power in Mainland has finally been upended. Old alliances are falling apart, new ones are being frantically assembled. The world has reached its breaking point.

The time has come. King Otto II of Astland marches on Vestonia's northern fortress. The Golden Lion has begun a lightning campaign in the south. Vintervald's army moves to assault the last fortress held by rebellious northern clans before sailing for Vestonia's western shores. As the kings move their armies across the board, Max prepares to leave the capital and settle old debts, then return to his Margraviate to lead the resistance against the coming storm.

The Golden Lion is irritated by campaign delays; King Adrian presses him to move; and the threat of insufficient provisions makes every wasted day a blow to discipline. Meanwhile, the capital waits impatiently for news of the pitched battle that will determine the balance of power on the continent. Max has managed to halt the advance of the Atalian forces. As the Golden Lion's legions disperse into winter quarters, Max returns to Fort de Gris to marshal his forces and take command of a united army for the battle for Northern Bergonia.