Daka's iron fist has delivered a crushing blow. Facing annihilation at every turn, Torrin-Ashur's only option now is to stay one step ahead of the Tsnath until Kirshtahll can return to the Territories. Rescued from the Dinac-Mentà's clutches by Elona, Jorra-hin and his friends from the Cymàtagé carry an urgent warning for the brothers at Jàb-áldis. Armed with little but the knowledge of what truly lies beneath the Mathians, theirs is a desperate race to thwart the baroness before she becomes unstoppable. Massively outnumbered by Tsnath forces, with inhospitable terrain and the depths of a Mathian winter arrayed against them, it seems even the gods might struggle to avert the destruction Daka intends for the few brave Alondrians still left in her path. Yet Those of Grace have heard again. The fulfilment of Amatt's prophecy finally draws near. For amid all the chaos there is one thing now certain, 'the Unwilled One comes.'