The rise of the Tzalekuhl Empire threatens to disrupt the peace that has lasted for generations across the land of Mezo. When the conquest begins, a young girl named Kyma witnesses the death of her father, Hegol, a tribal leader who refused to yield. As the solar eclipse nears, Kyma must unite the various tribes against an emperor determined to make them all kneel before his god or be sacrificed.
Kyma is rescued, but it comes at a cost. Several of the Huax'kin warriors are killed by Phegor and the Tzalekuhl army, and Roden finds himself a new captive to sacrifice to their god. At the World Tree, Itzabé and his friends speak to the Great Mother, who reveals that the Shaman is not the only surviving member of the Zen'tili. There is another... who serves the Tzalekuhl.