If you've ever wondered where Angel's bandits came from and who they were, this story begins that tale and tells of Jaden, her youngest recruit.

As a mere 16-year-old boy, on the verge of manhood, Jaden has longed to join the army of the Empire and explore the world.

Full of adventure and youthful optimism Jaden struggles with the usual bullies and adults who say he's too young and won't ever amount to much. But Jaden knows better and is always striving to become all he can be. His mother's strange death has made him always long to do something that would show her he is a boy she can be proud of.

When the Empire drafts all young men in the villages Jaden joins the older boys and starts his training under the leadership of his military father who has tried to keep him out of the army, fearing he will lose Jaden as well as his wife.

As their training begins a group of raiding bandits does a surprise attack which the group of young recruits barely survive, but at a terrible cost to Jaden which sends his life in a direction he never planned.

Can Jaden discover the mysterious source of the strange bandit attacks and survive long enough to uncover the truth behind the compelling forces that pull him toward his ultimate destiny.