Baroness Daka has a plan. But Alondrian and Tsnathsarré alike are struggling to discern her true intent. At the Cymàtagé, Jorra-hin has two investigations on his hands; the strange disturbance that drew him down from Jàb-áldis, and the mystery of Daka's interest in the Menhir of Ranadar. Avoiding the eye of the Dinac-Mentà is about to become much harder as he discovers secrets long since buried. Meanwhile, as Torrin-Ashur struggles to understand his newfound fighting prowess, neither Kirshtahll's sponsorship nor Princess Elona's friendship can stop his no-nonsense northern attitudes from clashing with the authorities. Yet whatever Alondris can throw at them will soon be the least of their worries. Daka's preparations are nearly complete. Poised to invade, she threatens devastation the likes of which Alondria has never known. If there be any truth to Amatt the Blind's prophecy, the immutable hand of fate will land heavily on those destined to bring about its fulfilment.