Aging king Lear must fend off potential rebellion for hiw crown within the Temple Troop. Meanwhile, the Temple Troop's ancient foes, the Black Claws, are streetwise and thirsting for battle. War is brewing in Monkey City.

The aging Lear's benign leadership has come to a bloody end. The brutal new King Hector is using any excuse to exert his authority. Meanwhile, the Black Claws make their initial plot to take over Fig Tree Vale.