War throws the land of Alastari into chaos by the Rirorni horde invasion. Swept up in the conflict is My-re, a girl living near the Rirorni plains. Regarded as a spoil of war, she grows up in a Rirorni family.
Now, life in the Rirorni Empire is dangerous, brutal, and short. Her troubles begin as warlords within the Empire fight each other for prestige, property, and honor. For mutual protection, the family teaches My-re the Wall of Steel combat style, when executed correctly, no blade, no weapon can penetrate.
Confronted by a prominent warrior, My-re kills him. Found guilty, she is sold to a slaver and exiled back to Alastari. However, there is no joyful return, as she is sentenced to fight in the Blood Games arena.
My-re's one chance of freedom is winning the tournament. However, to become champion, My-re won't have to best her opponents, but slaughter them.