Fantasy tale that centers on a group of mercenaries, swords for hire, called the Black Company. At the beginning of the story the Company undergoes a change in its employer that takes them across the sea to fight in the north, joining the side of the Empire. The Empire is run by the Lady and her underlings--the Ten who were Taken, or just the Taken. The Lady and the Taken are all wizards on immense power. The Black Company is used to fight a rebellion that names the Lady as evil. The Company also becomes involved with internal power struggles between members of the Taken.