Trull Sengar, a Tiste Edur is witness to the breaking of an agreement between the Edur and the Letherii, who have come to illegally harvest seals. He reports this back to his father and a council is called by the Warlock King, Hannan Mosag, who has just succeeded in uniting the six Edur tribes for the first time. The Warlock King, a powerful warlock using the power of Kurald Emurlahn, is guarded by five hostage princes from other Edur tribes– the K’risnan , and a Shadow wraith.