After a terrorist attack on a reservation in Oregon leaves thousands dead, Jack Sigler, call sign King and his Chess Team - Queen, Rook, Bishop and Knight - must protect the only survivor, thirteen year-old Fiona Lane. When a death in the family pulls King away, and the rest of the team is sent on a mission, Fort Bragg is attacked by a strange and overwhelming force. When the dust settles, Fiona is gone...But the attack is part of a larger offensive. Around the world the last speakers of ancient languages are being systematically exterminated. As they fight to find the mastermind behind the killings, the team is hunted by strange creatures that defy explanation - living statues, genetically modified monsters and walking megaliths - sent by an enemy from their past. Calling on help from old friends and ancient heroes, the team fights their most desperate battle yet, not just to rescue Fiona but to prevent an ancient secret from being unleashed - one that has the power to do no less than destroy the world itself...