The dragon islands are no place for a human messenger, as Marco knows only too well. Tensions run high following a recent war with the realms of men. As Princess Dria struggles to calm her subjects, an invasion of a different sort menaces her shores. Human colonists have arrived to strip her land of its natural resources and pepper it with tacky beach resorts. Meanwhile, rebel factions threaten to split her empire asunder from within. Once again, Marco is swept up into a fight for his life as he and his companions strike back on both fronts. With danger on all sides and a safe trip home out of the question, Marco would think himself lucky if everyone kindly refrained from shooting the messenger—him.