Six years after her defeat and banishment from the Sandleyr, the former Fire Queen captured three hostages important to the Children of Light and the Zarder. Her ultimatum: send the Zarder and the Zarder's Bond, or the hostages will die. A new responsibility has left Zarder Jena unable to save the Onizards she cares about. Fortunately, Jena is no longer the only Zarder. Bryn and his Bond Xoltorble must rely on a young human ally to navigate the treacherous wilderness outside the Sandleyr. Each day brings them closer to the hostages and a confrontation that will change the future of the Onizards. Each night leaves Idenno in more pain as he tries to protect the other hostages from the Fire Queen's wrath. The Fire Queen is determined to break the spirit of her captives and get her revenge, but she is not counting on the speed of wind.