Civil war threatens the realm, and Lady Cindra Corrina, Calilon's last hope for stability, was brutally murdered at sea by monstrous Minozhian pirates. At least, that is what everyone believes. Saved by magic and luck, Cindra survived the attack. Now, the good will of a family of Galindri nomads is the only thing keeping her safe. Even as her friends face perils of their own, Cindra must decide whether to live the free life of a wanderer, or return to the world of duty and intrigue from which she came.