Terrorists attack the Princes, Outcasts build a new city, and the mage Pavresh discovers that Arcist Magic is more powerful than ever imagined. Pavresh spent the last 5 years exploring the mountains around the Eghsal Valley, seeking to expand Arcist magic by incorporating foreign traditions of the mountain tribes. He discovers these barbarian tribes might be more deeply connected to his own people than the official histories admit. Now, news from home has him hurrying back to the Valley: A mysterious, violent group called the Sons of Ryo are terrorizing the cities. The ruling Princes are under threat, and his friends are losing the only shelter they have. What is this mysterious group, and who is pulling their strings? Who is the man claiming to have crossed the impenetrable mountains from the Forgotten South? Can Pavresh use new more powerful magic to protect his friends' new home, or will the cost be too great? This sequel to The Silk Betrayal continues the fantasy saga featuring elaborate worldbuilding with an India-flavored culture, a host of engaging characters, and subtle but powerful magics.