Outnumbered? Feeling overwhelmed? Sounds like a great time to attack.
Caz's skill and ability are stretched to the utmost when he is thrown into command of forces responsible for defending the Eastern March against the annual raid of the horse nomads from the east. Lucy faces an equal challenge, trying to restore Easton Manor after years of neglect and abuse. Caz gambles everything on a midnight raid that sends the nomads running.
Fenwick arrives with another mission commanded by the king. They are to travel to Scaramouche again, this time to obtain gems from the Vizier-gems that have supernatural properties that will benefit Caz and Fenwick. Accompanying them will be the crown prince, and Freddy as the dimwitted and obscene Lord Compote.
Waiting for Caz when he returns is an urgent plea from a father whose daughter has been captured by Rhetian pirates. Enlisting Fenwick's assistance, Caz sets sail.
What can two men do against a gang of bloodthirsty pirates?