Publisher's blurb:
Lord Makartov is a Formar Oathsworn of the Grand Pariun. He has many friends in high (and low) places, and is used to encountering those who would wish to end his life. His continuing task is to root out disloyalty and treachery to the Diar on a mass scale. He is free to discern which crimes constitute the act of one in need and what counts as dissent, enforcing varying levels of retribution as he sees fit. He has a reputation for fairness even among his enemies and is respected for his direct approach.
The greatest conspiracy Makartov is not yet aware of is that which seeks to use him to bring down the Diar structure of power within the Known World. As a respected member of court it was unthinkable when a massacre carried out by two dozen of his men brought down a prominent noble line (including successors) in his name. All have been rounded up and swear that Makartov gave the orders. Makartov himself is currently on the run.