Despite the implacable hostility of the Church of God Awaiting, Charis still stands, still free, still tolerant, still an island of innovation in a world in which the Church has worked for centuries to keep humanity locked at a medieval level of existence. But the powerful men who run the Church aren't going to take their defeat lying down. Charis may control the world's seas, but it barely has an army worthy of the name. And as King Cayleb knows,...

Cayleb Ahrmahk is happy as a grig to be the greatest naval hero in Safehold history and husband of the beautiful Queen Sharleyan, hence co-ruler of the Charisian Empire. The Church of God Awaiting, however, is determined to bring the whole planet of Safehold under its sway, with disastrous implications for the survival of humanity.

When the Republic of Siddermark is threatened by wars triggered by the Charis kingdom's declaration of independence from the Church of God Awaiting, Vicar Clytahn, King Cayleb, Queen Sharleyan and Merlin Arthawes struggle to prevent widespread starvationwhile protecting their people from violent attacks.

Centuries ago, the human race fought its first great war against an alien race and lost. A tiny population of human beings fled to distant Safehold. Centuries later, their descendants have forgotten their history; for them, life has been an eternal Middle Ages, ruled by the Church of God Awaiting, whose secret purpose is to prevent the re-emergence of industrial civilization. But not all of Safehold's founders were on board with this plan. Those dissidents...

Those on the side of progressing humanity through advanced technology have finally triumphed over their oppressors.The unholy war between the small but mighty island realm of Charis and the radical, luddite Church of God's Awaiting has finally come to an end. However, even though a provisional veil of peace has fallen over human colonies, many secrets of Safehold's past still remain unearthed. With new alliances forged and old regimes fractured, Merlin--the...