Returning from distant Alvédon, DragonTayl and Celani are determined to follow up on the mystery of the bard who died giving DragonTayl a crown of unusual power. Their search takes them south to tropical Kazali, and into the woven net of a vindictive ship captain who himself is the mark of an infamous assassin. As crown, captain, assassin, and heroes converge, their plans and aims intertwine and wrestle for supremacy.