It takes three days for Karantu to realize Camyani has weaponized her magic...and to pick the lock on his shackles. Trading the inconvenience of an elven military for a human one wasn't in the plan for the Mikebelian hunting party. Once outside the bounds of the Barrier, Kar frees his friends to make way for Cam's rage to burn. When the smoke clears, Kar, Cam, Arakan and Tek are victorious, though barely standing. From amongst the ruins rises a reluctant ally.

The problem with Alyta is that she is wholly human. Kar cannot fault Arakan's yearn to kill her, but without her, failure is imminent.The terms are simple: Alyta will aid in the execution of Kar's human father, then turn the lot of them in to the High King. Kar accepts the terms, his own life forfeit from birth. He will devise a plan to save his friends for their loyalty, and for the vengeance of Mikebel.

He must.