Following his adventures and changes in "Visions of Power" and "The Seat of Power," Alec believes he can settle into life in Goldenfields as a healer and a member of the Guard, dedicated to protecting his Duke and his city. But the coup in Oyster Bay has unleashed unexpected challenges to Goldenfields, and Alec leads a mission that is a gamble to save Bondell, the poor and isolated ally of Goldenfields, now under attack by Oyster Bay forces. For Alec, the chance to try new tactics in fighting the war, and the chance to be with Bethany on the journey make the Bondell expedition a great success at first, until he makes a mistake in his use of the ingenairii powers, and cripples himself severely. After that, Alec is left with only one way to restore his health, his powers, and his usefulness - he must make a pilgrimage to the lost Pool of John Mark to find a cure for his ills. At the pool he is astounded by what he finds; not just health, but the revelation of secrets that will change the politics of the Dominion. Alec is compelled to abandon his dreams of serving Goldenfields and of remaining with Bethany to pursue different battles and a higher agenda that will challenge him and everyone who had thought they knew him.