Chancellor Virien has what he wants now—both High Priest S’Rak and Captain Jisten are his, collared and chained. The captain’s training proceeds apace, but S’Rak is strangely growing more defiant rather than less. S’Rak now has what he lacked before—hope. Forces are gathering against the chancellor, intent on freeing him and the captain from bondage. Given Jisten’s love and secure in Scorth’s continued freedom, he dares to push back against his master. As the Dark Army combines forces with Jethain’s Koilathan Army to combat the Lythadi threat, Virien hastens toward the privacy of his estate, fearing to lose it all.