Those who dance with fire cannot help getting burned...

The delegation is in trouble. Elder Khennik kin Blazeborn is sick, mistrust festers amongst the dragons, yet the Skylark travels onwards, bound by its diplomatic mission. Clan Sunlord is not known for its tolerance of humans, but the Rift Riders have no choice. The journey must go on.

The desert awaits, full of heat and passion and strange wonders, but each smile is tinged with cunning and betrayal is never far away. New dragons, new dangers, fresh troubles and deep prejudice lurk in the shadows of the Sunlord palace. The Dragonlands are changing, but this time even the strong might not survive.