Kin Underbridge and Halleyne dar Dero have survived shipwreck, revolution, and the magic of a malevolent serpent goddess. At last their skills have brought them back to the continent of Feyndala. To home -- but not to safety. For the powers that shipwrecked them are now in control of Feyndala's kingdoms. Halleyne and Kin must arrange the rescue of those they left behind ... but the forces of four nations are arrayed against them.

Between life and death stand one novice judge, one untrained spirit-sorceress ... and the truth.