The Epimetheus Trial

In Berinin, a new Chieftain Heir is born, but only his grandfather and a child from ArcNos know the truth of his birth. In Ferya, a denial of paternity fractures a family. In Ivaria, the plight of an orphan motivates his adoptive father to seek a child of his own blood. These four children - MeiLom of ArcNos, Galo of Berinin, Eytea of Ferya, and Vielle of Ivaria - are part of a long-forgotten line of hominids called Hybrids.

Half a decade has passed since the ArcNosian Civil War. Nations have been rebuilt. Peace has been restored. And the Avatars of Fate have been deathly silent. No sooner are Sinkua and Eytea called back to ArcNos than the gears begin turning again. Money begins vanishing from ArcNos. Scandals threaten the new power structure. Sinkua ends up at the center of a debacle that threatens Galo's sovereignty. Old allies and new faces emerge as an anti-Avatar force called the Coalition. They've worked in secret for decades, but the time has come for their disclosure.

The Heniokhos Disaster has resulted in several blocks of property damage and innumerable casualties, including two of the Hybrids. Phylus is still lost in Tanelen, and the ultimatum of war is fast approaching.

Old foes and friends return to haunt. Past lives contend with modern sensibilities. Secrets of the Etherworlders and the ancient world are revealed. And when a certain Etherworlder opposes the plan, complications can only deepen.