Frax warned Kaphri about the Eldren--how the ancient races did not think the same as the Kep's Second Children. Now their troop walks a razor's edge as Frax tries to fend off the Grimmenwood's desire for their blood, and Kaphri struggles to master her starpower under Seuliac's supervision. The Grimmen has stolen Tobin, Gemma remains locked away in the Guardian Crystal, Uri is frustrated with Frax's decisions, and Velacy burns with ambition at Seuliac's control of Kaphri. As Araxis and his Balandran forces loom closer, manipulation by ancient powers has created a misunderstanding of intent and the heart between Kaphri and Frax, and even the Grimmen has no control over some of the creatures that dwell in its realm.