A Ahmud Ki, hiding his bitter past as Terin the half-Aelendyell, pursues greater power and access to all five Kis of magic while he assumes the roles of Advisor and Chancellor in King Thana's court. With Dragonlord Mareg Dru'artha Sutnavanistra preparing to conquer the world, A Ahmud Ki faces the challenge of unravelling an ancient prophecy concerning the sword of Aian Abreotan, the hero who brought down the Dragonlords of old - or can he manufacture an incarnation of the prophecy to suit his own aspirations. Abandoned for dead, after the crushing defeat of the Kingdom armies on The Rim Shield, Andra learns the world is more mysterious than he imagined as he returns to health among the Aelendyell. Resolved to return to his home in The Vale, he makes his way to the capital, but the intervention of a young girl, his friends and a prophecy conspire to change his fate.