When the Sea Eagle Beached herself and died in flames, Cheynou Chan's life as a Helmsman was over. Now that his people live on the Great Prairie, he decides to become an explorer and mapmaker.
But the rapidly changing political scene in the Eagle/Petrel camp soon puts him at odds with the powerful Orrick Bren. His only choice is to leave, following the myths and rumours of a huge empire to the north and beyond that the fabled Inner Sea. The chance to use his skills to benefit his people soon becomes an urge to Helm a ship once more.
Supported by his tiny party of three, he takes to the mountains, tracking the clues left by ancient travellers to find the path to a new world and a new life.