Historical fantasy from Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist! In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father. At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom.
Prince Arslan and his allies have reached the citadel of Peshawar, but even among fellow Parsians, they can’t rest easy. In the midst of war, rumblings of King Andragoras’ dark past have resurfaced, bringing even Arslan’s right to the throne in question. The prince and his friends have counted on loyalty to Pars, but with doubt over the rightful succession, does that loyalty still include Arslan? He must confront who he is—and what his enemies really want—in a showdown with Hilmes. Meanwhile, another conflict over a throne in the Southern kingdom of Sidhura draws Arslan’s group into a fight between brothers. Will they be pulled further into war, or can they leverage this new development in their favor?