Protect the Governess. Rescue the dragon. Save the world. The Mhrann's abduction of Etoiny's dragon thwarted Jaya's mission to put Etoiny's race rightfully back in power. Now, Jaya and Etoiny must rely on shaky alliances to enter the divinely protected city before Etoiny's dragon-bond snaps, opening the world to destruction. A traitor among them, marauding army bands, and a dark prophecy sends their rescue party into hiding before they reach the city. Jaya's growing persuasion power secretly aids their progress, but she still hides its strength for fear of accusation and reprisal. When at last Jaya exposes her ability to magic wielders to dissuade them from joining the Mhrann's genocidal cause, the prophecy reveals her future role. Jaya faces a fateful choice. Abandon her mission to become the powerful force she's meant to be, or risk her soul and doom her friends to save the world by sailing a treacherous sea.