The ancient magic on the island of Cho Nisi is stolen, its tradition destroyed, and its protective shield ruined. But the destruction doesn't end with the broken drumbeats, nor the groan of the elders. King Barin is confronted with a vengeful adversary and a new enemy whose weapons far outmaneuver his army's bows and arrows, swords, and catapults. What have these strangers from the north come for, and will they battle for ownership of not only the kingdom's future but also its past?