Gralyre has delivered the Wilsons to the Northern Rebel Fortress, but instead of finding a new home, they are despised as cowards. Generations of Rebels have died in vain attempts to liberate lowlanders from Doaphin's despotic rule. Many see no reason to continue to sacrifice their bravest for a people who will not help themselves. When this discrimination spills over into savage attacks, Gralyre and Rewn Wilson retaliate, though if discovered, Gralyre will once more fall under suspicion of being a traitor and spy.Gralyre's nightmares worsen. Every night, a demon takes his head. Every night he dies. He senses that whatever stalks him draws closer, and realizes that he cannot stay, not when his missing memories could hide a seething, black evil that could rain destruction down upon all Mankind. Still he would remain with the Rebels - for Catrian. Though she beckons him nearer with one hand, and pushes him away with the other, Gralyre cannot forget the kiss they shared. Catrian's fascination with the mysterious warrior only grows deeper, the yearning in her lonely soul only grows stronger, and she fears that soon she will lack the will to strike should Gralyre's past reclaim him as an evil collaborator. By spring, Doaphin will begin the systematic annihilation of all mankind. War is upon them, and they must act to save as many as possible, but the Sorceress stands alone unless she can ready Gralyre's magic in time. The old fears remain. How far can she trust him? Dare she awaken his magic further?Commander Boris is concerned that Gralyre is distracting Catrian from the cause. She does not have the luxury of following her heart. The Sorceress belongs only to the Resistance. On the cusp of war, her loyalties cannot be divided. One way or another Gralyre's influence over her must end.