The war for Sarténe has begun. In the city of Mayence the people prepare defences and wait for the All-Church army to come. Everything depends on Calesh Saissan and his friends, but an assassin has slipped into the city and is waiting for his chance, even before the army approaches. In the mountains, the Lady of the Hidden House teaches her lore to Farajalla, her chosen heir. Because the ancient arts must survive, or nothing Calesh does will matter. But as the All-Church moves to surround Mayence, it seems nothing of Sarténe will escape at all.