King Abertus has a secret and important mission for Mica and Merriweather that sends the two southward to the land of Argine, a place unexpectedly beset by exploding clockwork men. Mica's daring plan might get him on the inside of the enemy camp, but that doesn't mean he'll make it back out again. Separated from Merriweather and even his clockwork ravens, Mica must use his wits to figure out who is really behind the clockwork devices — and to learn what they really plan.