As a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his father's tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father's indifference toward him, and his brother's outright hatred.

A chance opportunity may change all of that. Tobin's father gives him, his brother, and three other young Kifzo each a small squad to lead on a key mission. The squad leader who succeeds will be named Warleader and will command the entire tribe's army. Tobin sees this as his best chance to step out of the shadow of his brother and earn the respect and recognition he's always desired.

"Warleader" is a short story prequel to the epic fantasy Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy.