When Caitrin learns the terrible secret of her past, she flees to Duncan with the hope he will understand, only to be frustrated when Brenna barges in unannounced. It is when she reveals her secret that they understand the full implication and what it means for the kingdom.

In the south, Alexis learns that while she may be Cinoc Mar's berserker, they don't trust her. With Deryn off learning to be a Mage, Alexis realizes she has no friends in Cinoc Mar, that all the people she truly cares for are back in Mull. It's when she discovers Cobhan's battle plans for an attack on Gambria that she knows she must make a choice ? either take up arms and fight against her battle-sisters in Gambria or escape from Cinoc Mar and take up arms against the very warriors she's been training, the same warriors who have given her their faith and confidence.

To the west, Gambria is now on high alert as Rugia has begun probing Gambria's borders, searching for weaknesses in their defenses. The king must be told at once!

Unfortunately, the king is no longer capable of leading the kingdom, and the commanderie lords know that Diad must be forced to step down. They must quickly choose another before it is too late. And therein lies the problem, for Alric is the heir apparent, but that means Pavia will be Queen.