Peirol of the Marshlands is a traveling gem merchant. But the jewels he seeks are the gems of darkness, the precious stones that men -- and demons -- have fought and died over. Now, hes on a quest for the ultimate jewel: the Empire Stone, a gem so powerful it will give its owner the dangerous ability to control others. Traveling far beyond the known world to a city torn b Peirol of the Marshlands is a traveling gem merchant. But the jewels he seeks are the gems of darkness, the precious stones that men -- and demons -- have fought and died over. Now, hes on a quest for the ultimate jewel: the Empire Stone, a gem so powerful it will give its owner the dangerous ability to control others. Traveling far beyond the known world to a city torn by earthquake and fire, he will find the Empire Stone -- and unleash its hellish power.