
Talon is a survivor. The last of the Blackblood race, she also endured the destruction of her entire village by a gang of brutal missionaries. Years after that life-defining attack, she travels to a lawless fortress along the edge of the civilized world, tracking the individuals who killed her family. As she makes the journey, she discovers that she possesses a mysterious supernatural power that she must now learn to control, not only to save herself but to defend the world against the tyranny of a fanatical religious dictator.
Talon struggles to command a murderous creature she has summoned; Garret and Janzo try to find the cause of the plaguing disease; Talon searches for more of her family's murderers.
Against the Smith's advice, Talon goes after the demon before she's ready; the Mistress schemes to take over the colipsum trade.
Having discovered a powerful secret, Wythers blackmails Gwynn, insisting that she allow him to execute Talon; five killers from Talon's past ride into town, looking to take care of unfinished business.
Talon promises to find the mysterious "Book of Names"; Gwynn's true identity is revealed; Talon agrees to escort Janzo to meet the Worm's colipsum supplier outside the walls of the Outpost.