In book three we learned that after King Graedon's death, his daughter the Princess Elayne was taken against her will to Peregren Castle by Lucio. With the armaments that Peregren makes, secure food supplies, and the custody of the princess herself, Lucio's position is impregnable. Vanessa's goal to crown her son king and have an heir from the royal bloodline is but a matter of time. Only a miracle could rescue Princess Elayne from Peregren Castle. The Huynstens effectively control the exchange of currency backed by their grain reserves. Their formidable forces of the navy and army occupy most of the important trade centers. Anyone who relies on grains to make bread or water to drink is subject to Huynsten law and taxes. Ponty is now poised to invade the great trade city in Beracka. Karnivron the Great was assassinated. The newly formed kingdom of Leems is threatened with insurrection inspired by Naveed Al Bhutan. From the south Haaron and Mara's delicate Leemite Kingdom faces Stoldar, the covetous Berackite prince who now wants Mara. By spring Haaron feared that the Huynsten navy would bottle up their northern Port Comley on the sea and their army would sweep in from the steppes. Haaron must persuade the ambitious Stoldar to unite with Leems against Huynsten tyranny. Leems needs both the naval force of Craigroyston and the land force of Beracka to stand against the Huynstens. In Norsendan emotions over Queen Ellen being deposed as the rightful monarch in Leems has cut off Craigroyston's naval support for Leems. On Tamerana Stoldar's Berackites are poised to attack Leems. Leems and Beracka might destroy themselves even before the Huynstens march in. When Beracka and Leems fall, Nodunn will control all the trade in the civilized aerde except for Rothaynen and Craigroyston.