Wizened and invigorated by their losses, fears, and ultimate triumph in the elven ruins of Kadason, the Heroes of Dragon's Nest seek to continue the mission of their looming benefactor by traveling on to the magic-infused stronghold of Falcon Crest. Arriving in the great city, however, they find its people as distrusting of outsiders-especially those of half-breed blood-as they are enamored with their protectors; the Samanir Order and its champions. Allie, meanwhile, soon unearths details of her past that throw everything she thinks she's learned about her nature into question, as well as the course of her future. With new allies made and even the most trusted of heroes possibly concealing secrets to shake the foundation of Falcon Crest and Covorum beyond, each of Entothika's emissaries will be forced to question what they value most, before their own inaction might claim it from them. S. J. Saunders has been informed that, at this point in what may be charitably dubbed "his career", he should probably be pointing things out like, "S.J. Saunders is the author of over a dozen novels and short stories," and, "S.J. Saunders is a man devoted to his craft, spending much of his time while not writing analyzing the theory of it, as well as studying the works of others." He's pretty sure that's not incredibly interesting, though, so he'll instead just mention that he and the gorgeous woman who still assures him that she agreed to marry him while of sound mind both live in Oregon.