Slowly losing himself to madness, King Charald has passed his verdict on the mystic Wyrds: banishment, by the first day of winter. Their leader, Imoshen, believes she has found a new home for her people, but many are still stranded, amidst the violence and turmoil gripping Chalcedonia. A reward is offered for their safe return, and greedy men turn to abduction. Tobazim arrives in port, to ready the way for his people, and finds their ships have been stolen. Sorne, the king's halfblood advisor, needs to find his sister and bring her to safety. Ronnyn and his family, living peacefully in the wilderness, are kidnapped by raiders eager for the reward. Whether the ships are ready or not, the Wyrds must leave soon; those who remain behind will be hunted down and executed. Time is running out for all of them.