A legendary blade. A ruthless king. A choice that will forge an empire, or shatter a soul. Nusantara, 13th Century. As the Mongol threat looms from the north, the visionary King Kertanegara is driven by a singular ambition: to unite the sprawling archipelago under his rule. His primary obstacle is the powerful Dharmasraya kingdom, and its vital, fiercely independent ally, the port of Selat Kenchana. Into this crucible of war steps Arya Suryanata, grieving heir to his father, the legendary "Serpent of Singhasari." Tasked by his king with a brutal mission of conquest, Arya is armed with Naga Satria, his father’s soul-bound, sentient keris. But the blade whispers of a balance older than empires, and the king's orders to burn, conquer, and sow fear clash with the code of honor his father embodied. As he navigates treacherous mangrove swamps, cunning political rivals, and the devastating power of the blade awakening within him, Arya finds his path blocked by more than just warriors. A mysterious envoy offers the promise of peace, while ancient spirits warn against the arrogance of conquerors. To fulfill his duty, he must destroy a kingdom. To uphold his honor, he may have to defy his king. With the fate of Nusantara hanging in the balance, Arya discovers the most dangerous battle is not for land or glory, but for his own soul. Dive into a rich historical fantasy epic, weaving together the myth, magic, and political intrigue of 13th-century Southeast Asia. Perfect for fans of Guy Gavriel Kay's sweeping historical sagas and the mythic martial fantasy of The Green Bone Saga.