The House of Last Hope

Sulemon, former king of Remia, has lost everything. Home, title, wife, children. In his desperation he seeks out the house of last hope, a mystical dwelling that can help you gain whatever you want, and takes everything you have in payment.  Given the ability to summon heroes from the aether from a deck of cards The Ruler plays a game on two fronts, first within the house itself with the enigmatic dealer, and second through the eyes of his heroes, who gain strength and power with each success.  Even with these powers the Ruler plays dangerous games for high stakes. His opponents are his treacherous former nobles, the emperor who took everything from him, and the game itself. In between building an army and committing the ultimate magical taboo of raising the dead he will need to figure out the real stakes the game is played for, and why it consents to be played at all.