Anthea returns to the Broken Crown with her companions, though Bedros must part to fulfill his own destiny. Her return spurs Corydon into new experiments, experiments he hopes will make a living compass to find Anthea with. Illias pushes Corydon's war ever further from the shores of Maethlin, even as Iago and the Elegian Empress Sanura begin to add their contributions to the conflict. With the looming threat of the Elegians joining the Kerathi side of the conflict, Corydon decides to make every citizen of Cenalium into one of his puppets to greater equip his war machine. Iago isn't ready to succumb to the poisons running through his body, which he battles with the help of his former Empress captive. He knows he needs greater power and influence if he is to remain a key player in the game of politics and war that is about. Anthea's group, aided by some surprising allies, tries to raise a force great enough to attack Maethlin, Cenalium, and Corydon at his very home. Rolf's head is filled with plans for great weapons, Makan's powers over the elements he loves grows, Nishan feels the stirrings of a God about to be born, Sagira's words have surprising influences over others, and Tuari is a shadow that moves with them, an observer to all that happens. Anthea feels more alone in their conflict than ever, and turns to the nurturing of the flowers that will guide her until the very end. Will flowers from the different lands of the Broken Crown be enough when her enemies are so insurmountable? When greater tests are given and the group splinters, each going their own ways, can they be joined again? Are the promises of the companions and the actions of the Gods enough to guide them through to the end?