Their paths are beginning to come together as the lines of conflict are drawn. In Sandaria, con man Donovan Swan and Basker, former soldier, come face to face during their mutual vendetta against the spy-master Jacopo Halfast. This would, under normal circumstances, be fortuitous but Basker's violent history is in direct conflict with Swan's need for critical information. Swan's best friend, the monk Cale Farari, continues to grow increasingly bitter at his companion's sudden secrecy and manipulation. He is convinced that only trouble will come from keeping the rest of the Wisps and him in the dark. Meanwhile, in Arcis, Captain Jonah Fauerbach and his constables struggle to keep the peace. Northerners have taken over the major government postings as well as securing the weapons and resources of the former Wisp mansion. Jonah is forced to ally with smuggler Osias Behren and use unorthodox tactics in an effort to gain the upper hand. In Tsebb, Salem the Bear has virtually eliminated crime and created a city where the citizens feel safe and secure. Businesses profit and fear has become an unknown entity. Yet the Bear rests uneasily, his wanderlust and frustration at cities lacking the same liberties eating away at him. His confidante, Rossi, appeals to him with an idea of expansion that would lead Salem and his band of Gutter Rats to a greater destiny. From a gathering of vicious tribal warriors to a sit-down between mortal enemies; from the Snake Charmer monastery in the Mesas of Alshanaer to the slave city of Tipper; from a city-wide crime spree to visceral, gut-wrenching showdowns; the action never slows, betrayals never cease and nobody is safe.