Conflicts flare throughout the Known World, and an entire continent teeters on the precipice of war.

In Restaria, the Nelvor’s brutal attack is certain to provoke a swift response from the yarl. Albrenian troops are boldly gathering on their shared border with Gral, a land already overrun with Helgrin colonies along its northern coast. To the south, the Jagar are making deeper forays into Olquarian territory. And on the Isle, although Roth Nelvor is invested as High King to public acclaim, his first appointments strike notes of discord with more than a few lords of the lower realms, and with at least one member of his Tribus.

Amidst this turmoil, the paths of Master Morgan and his young charges will soon diverge. Morgan must fulfill his promise to Urlion Konigur, while Whit resolves to depart Mithralyn and take his future into his own hands. Maura, still in Drinnkastel, is discovering that her position at court may be uncertain. Leif embarks on a dangerous mission alone, and Fynn finds himself imprisoned, left to languish without hope of release. In Gral, Borne’s star is rising as he takes up the life of a soldier, and Halla rides with the å Livåri as they try to rescue their people from enslavement.

Some of them will succeed in their endeavors. Some will fail. And one among them will be cast into Lazdac Strigori’s sphere, as the dark wizard moves ever closer to exacting his terrible vengeance.