Shaeli and her companions have finally reached Cave. They have travelled across seas, through places that are unseen by anyone. They have battled and been pursued across the Land, yet they never could have imagined what they would find at the end of the journey - the safety and peace of Cave, of the entire Fleet, has been devastated, and something precious has been stolen.

As the other Lands move to challenge Queen Virrisian; as the rebels wage their own battle across Zirrus; as the people starve; the Traders take to the skies to join the fray, only to be dealt a shocking blow. Great Court closes itself off from the World and finally the black ship shows its immense power.

Shaeli and her trusted companions must again journey across the Land into danger to save her family and her World.