The quest to secure the Firelord's Legacy and avert the danger brought about by Raethwin's battle with Maegror continues. Corinius, Heir to the throne of the Severed Kingdoms, has been uncovered as a traitor. His plot to assassinate his uncle and seize the mysterious Sword of Mandarian has been foiled but he has escaped, taking with him Darial, the true Heir, and other hostages. Falath and Mirin are finally reunited and sent in pursuit by Guild Master Tamilin. Their goal is the King's Circle in the far north, where Mandarian's Sword is kept within the sacred embrace of Flavia, Mistress of the Second Ship. They must get there before Corinius frees the Sword and uses its power to claim dominion over them all. King's Circle, however, lies in Ancient Nerieth, abandoned to the Yrstag and under enemy control. To gain the sword, and its piece of the Firelord's Crown, Falath and Mirin must use their developing powers of sorcery to battle new foes and strange magicks. Only then can the Firelord's Wyrd be fulfilled.