Of the three princes of Valahia, two are heroes, but the third, Meier, is anything but Gloomy and pale, he holds the affections only of his family and the ancient court jester, Crocus. His fate is suddenly changed when Valahia is thrown into a bloody war, and Meier is finally put to the test. However, much to the surprise of all, Meier unlocks a hidden gift for strategy, and soon becomes a hero in his own right. Suddenly loved by all, his new found happiness is short-lived, for soon after a mysterious plague ravages the land, taking countless lives . . . including his own. Yet . . . Meier alone awakens with dark powers beyond his understanding. The land falls into chaos further when the dead begin to rise and attack the living, leaving only Meier to travel where no living thing can venture. With only the help of a raven, he must learn the ways of the darkest magic, his sole defense against the master of death that awaits him ahead. Here is the story of an unexpected hero, a prince who conquered death to become the last hope for the living.