Bahzell Bahnakson of the Horse Stealer hradani never wanted to be a champion of Tomanak the War God. Unfortunately, the War God had insisted, and Bahzell's own sense of duty hadn't let him say no. Which was how he found himself in the Empire of the Axe, regarded with suspicion and fear, preparing for a journey across 300 leagues of bitter winter snow to face a Dark God who has threatened to destroy all hradani. But one thing Bahzell has learned: a champion of Tomanak does what needs doing. And the people in his way had better move.