Legends of a subjective reality in the hyperspace Flux, where dragons combat stray riggers, have existed since the rigger pilots began their navigations. But Jael LeBrae discovered legend is real enough in the Flux, when she met Highwing, a dragon in mortal battle with the evil creature Tar-skel, known as the Nail of Strength. Now Jael finds herself thrust back into the battle again, but this time with a much reduced band of dragons. Tar-skel is expanding his dominion beyond the dragon universe and the fate of all humanity now rests on the outcome.