In this fourth book of the Ingenairii Series, Alec continues his travels across the Dominion and finally reaches Stronghold, where Noranda lies interred in her tomb, waiting for his attempt to heal her wounds and paralysis. In Stronghold he comes face-to-face with both the good and the bad sides of the complex and mighty Locksfort clan, gaining friends and harm as he tries to fulfill his obligation to save Noranda before her time expires. Following his adventures and escape from Stronghold, Alec returns to Oyster Bay and Goldenfields, then goes to the war with the lacertii, personally fighting to save himself and his troops when the battlefield turns into a treacherous trap, and only his special abilities can prevent a slaughter.