With the aid of a sentient battle computer from before the collapse of interstellar civilization, Raj Whitehall has come close to reuniting the entire planet of Bellevue. Because of his victories and because of the way he won them, Raj is loved by the people -- and his army would follow him to Hell. Even those closest to him, his band of sworn Companions and his wickedly sublte but utterly loyal wife, hold him in awe. And that's the problem. For though Raj battles only in the name of his emperor and has proved his loyalty again and again, still the half-mad jealousy and fear of Barholm Clerett is about to give Raj no choice but to revolt or face death by torture. Raj Whitehall, Hammer of the Barbarians, Sword of the Spirit of Man, has always been ready to bear and burden, pay any price for final victory. Now his fate is on him.