Krispos the Emperor is the third and final chapter in The Tale of Krispos trilogy. Told through the viewpoints of both Krispos, Avtokrator of Videssos, and his eldest son Phostis, the story begins nearly 20 years after the events of the previous chapter. Religious turmoil is tearing the Empire of Videssos apart, with a group of rebels calling themselves the Thanasioi take Phostis hostage, who was already beginning to feel attracted to their heretical creed. Krispos leads an army through a grueling campaign in the western provinces to put down the rebellion and save his son.
Besides the Thanasioi rebellion, Phostis also had to deal with his becoming a co-emperor, and thus having to stick to ritual and custom, while his younger brother Evripos resents not being at the top of the succession. The brothers manage to fix their relationship, but still keep a wary eye on one another even while Krispos still reigns.
