Maradhor and his new bride flee for their lives, pursued by his former clan who have now become their enemies. With the treacherous mountains looming ahead and the harsh winter weather closing in, their only hope of salvation lay in crossing the distant Great River. But even as they struggle towards safety, Alcandhor faces his own troubles back home. Forced to take the throne in order to protect Maradhor, he now confronts the terrifying possibility that his friends may have fallen into peril and are beyond his reach. As he grapples with the weight of his newfound kingship, his ex-wife returns, demanding to be made queen or else she will take away his beloved daughter. To add to the turmoil, the return of the Enaisi, a mysterious and powerful alien race, throws their society into even greater chaos. And just when it seemed like things can't get any more complicated, Alcandhor also has to contend with a band of scheming nobles, each vying for his favor and with their own hidden agendas. If they feel threatened, how far will they go to protect their interests? Assassination?