Following the overthrow of the tyrannical Empress Lionstone, rebel Owen Deathstalker is hailed as a hero. But being a hero is not easy, for when the fighting ends the politicking begins. And there's no place in politics for honor. But Honor is the one thing Owen Deathstalker lives by. And he'll kill for it, if necessary, for the sake of an Empire beset by enemies within, and aliens without.