The continuation of a powerful new fantasy adventure filled with dark magic and deadly intrigue, from the worldwide bestselling author of the Saga of the Pliocene Exile. King Conrig 'Ironcrown' of Cathra now rules the entire island of High Blenholme. The young king is turning out to be a cruel and ruthless opportunist and has plans for further expansion into the continent to the south of his kingdom. However, his rule is not entirely unchallenged. There are rumours that his vengeful first wife, Maudrayne, believed to have committed suicide when she discovered his infidelity, is in fact alive and in hiding in the remote province of Tarn. Furthermore, it is believed she has given birth to Conrig's first son -- under Cathran law the child would be the legitimate heir to the throne, displacing the twins who have since been born to Conrig's second wife. The king despatches his royal intelligencer, Deveron -- a man secretly possessed of magical abilities -- to discover the truth, and to kill Maudrayne and the child if he finds them. Deveron is horrified at the thought of killing two innocents, though he has good reason to be loyal the king who has raised him up from a life in the stables.