Lowly court painter Gavril Nagarian learns that he is the rightful heir to the harsh arctic kingdom of Azhkendir, that he possesses formidable powers that compromise his humanity, and that he is being targeted by bitter rivals who would prevent him from reuniting the kingdom.

Releasing five dragon-demons called Drakhaouls in his efforts to seize control of an ancient empire, a man discovers that his hold over the empire is crumbling as a rival nation searches for a true innocent capable of banishing the dragon-demons.