Story : As the maritime provinces prepare to go to war with Mongaul, Istavan tasks himself with delivering a secret message to Parros. With Lord Beck and his men trapped in the mountains, Remus himself prepares to lead the forces of Argos into battle. Guin is attacked by an assassin from Kitai, but easily manages to dispatch the would-be killer. Back in Crystal, Karthron and Naris continue to make their plans.