This series from a New York Times-bestselling author explores the long-awaited tale of an era crucial to Valdemar's history -- the original founding of the nation itself by the legendary Duke Valdemar.

The long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this second book in the new series from a New York Times-bestselling author and beloved fantasist.

Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as 'empty' as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes....

....and someone is watching them.