There are strange happenings in the desert. Learn the truth about the Hereditas Expedition in this hair-raising tale of betrayal, devotion and religious fanaticism.

Was the Hereditas Expedition doomed from the start? Led by Pontifex Bilrach, the Mahjarrat must find the artifacts of the dead god Tumeken and complete the Ritual of Rejuvenation, otherwise they face extinction. Forced to work together by Zaros, the Mahjarrat form an uneasy alliance, though they all have their own ambitions.

Having found only sand and false hope wandering through the Kharidian Desert, the search is becoming ever more frustrating and the casualties mount as the humans die for the Mahjarrat cause. The desert is vast and full of danger, the sun is oppressive, and there are traitors in their midst. Can the Mahjarrat succeed despite these impossible odds?

Erin M. Evans is the author of seven Forgotten Realms novels for Wizards of the Coast, including the 2011 Scribe Award winner Brimstone Angels. She is a content designer for Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms and a cast member of the D&D actual play Dungeon Scrawlers. Erin lives in the Seattle area with her husband and sons.

Her latest series, Books of the Usurper, begins with Empire of Exiles, published in November 2022 by Orbit.