Alayn, the mercenaries, and the villagers continue their journey through the desolate land of Pembrolia, during which they are attached by a force of Lekaran warriors who outnumber them at least four to one. Their chances would be better than average if it were not for the presence of Gabroel, the Lekaran sorcerer, who uses his magic to affect the battle.

Davit arrives in the Gallen mountains where he must confront the largest and most ferocious beast to have lived: Jehagondosiris, an eight hundred year old dragon. Davit believes the salvation of the southern kingdoms of Ferantiana partly depends on his surviving the confrontation and securing one of the two missing pieces of the lost amulet of Marlon.

Meanwhile, Katriana, who has been keeping watch on the mercenaries, utilises her fast growing magical powers to confound the Lekara by delaying their confrontation with the mercenaries. The mercenaries' survival is of paramount importance to the survival of the southern kingdoms, but is Katriana's intervention enough, and can Davit reach them in time to prevent a slaughter and the premature end to his scheming and plotting.