Vespias and her allies are at the crossroads. The shocking reversal of Svantha and her traitorous deed have put the Rangers into yet another battle. She must correct the wrong done to her, but it will bring the wrath of the Gyrnnalli upon them all.

Across the sea, Rain and her people follow an ancient map that she believes will bring them to a new land. But that land already has one that knows the world she comes from. The pact she made with the pirates of South Bay is tenuous at best, but she must see it through even when the stowaway is found.

Graveshadow and Salaris have decided enough is enough. While the Dark Queen travels to Tiran, an urgent plea comes to the Black Knights. Graveshadow makes a choice and the ships sail. The former Warchief Varsin means to take his home back.

The world stands on the brink of war once more. In his keep, Shevore plans and plots. His subtle interference in the lives of those closest to Vespias has once again given him the means to escape his prison. As long as his subjects follow his plan, he will

soon have his army...and his freedom.

Across two continents, forces are bringing Vespias to her ultimate desires. With the help of Targos, she will have the greatest army their world has ever seen behind her to finish what she started so many years before on a bloody street in Tiran.

All she must do is stay alive.

Once more, the journals of Vespias give an insight into the mind of one of the world’s great strategists as she continues her journey through a life of bitterness and pain with the promise of happiness always just in front of her.

Perhaps this is her time...