What price would you pay to save your nation and your loved ones? While on patrol in the grasslands far from the halls of power, Captain Aethal Paalin discovers evidence that an ancient terror has reached the rich soil of his home. The Lotus, a prolific growth whose addictive leaves devour their victims from within, turning their hosts into horrible, terrifyingly violent mockeries of humanity. Created at the dawn of history by the twisted power of a godly relic called the Well, the return of the Lotus may be a harbinger of even more horrors to come. Carrying the fatal news to the capital, Aethal discovers that even in the face of death itself, the Lords will fight to keep their secrets and their power. With only the guidance of his legendary Greater Rifle and the aid of the Phoenix Lancers, the soldier must find his way through the halls of a forgotten holy order and into deep dens of crime seeking answers. It is a race against time, because the Lotus may have already taken root among those he loves... and fighting it may cost him everything, including his soul. "I really, really like this book. A lot. If you want heroes, honor, dastardly villains, and an existential threat to all human life, all wrapped up in battles, bloodshed, assassinations, treason, and men and women prepared to die for honor, you will too." ~ David Weber, author of the best selling Honor Harrington series. Read less