As victory over the barbarians nears, Guardian Marshal Yale Lynch is falsely accused of treason by Empress Diana Cole, who has been manipulated by the scheming Jay. Stripped of command and hunted as a traitor, Yale leaves the empire behind. With its greatest defender gone, the realm collapses, cities burn, and Jay defects to the enemy. Realizing her mistake too late, Diana watches as Yale returns one final time to crush the invaders, save the empire, and then walk away forever.