Now a political power on the planet Association, home of the Friendlies, and with his Others in place on all the new worlds, Bleys Ahrens is ready to take his message to the greater human public. He will begin with New Earth itself, talking on its powerful Corporate rulers and equally powerful Guildmasters. Bleys knows that the true road to control of a world is through the hearts of its common people. But within his inner circle is Henry McLean, Soldier of God, and a True Faith-Holder. Henry fears for the soul of his nephew Bleys, and while he guards, he also watches, and judges. And outside Bleys Ahrens's control is Hal Mayne: the one man in all the human worlds who can challenge Bleys for control. For Hal Mayne is the true culmination of the Cycle's grand design. Bleys would give anything to convert Hal Mayne to his purpose, or failing that, to destroy him.