Roche is coming. Duren Akszenyuk must succeed where his father failed and go before the Eagle Council to lay out the proof of the spy in their midst. His father tried over twenty years ago, and was banished and never seen again. Masha Oravcová recently tried, and was thrown into prison. But the army must be warned… Death is closing in for Barys as he struggles with his wordsmith curse. The moment he loses his usefulness, his place in Rejair will be lost. His only hope for survival is with the people whose lives he has ruined beyond repair; but even if they are willing to forgive him, there may no longer be a road home to Kazan Vyselki. Maxim Akszenyuk has faithfully stood by his kráľ for many years, forsaking his friends, his family, and even his country to stay by Radomir's side. But as lies and truths are revealed, he is challenged one more time: can he stand by truth and still stay with Radomir as a faithful crown warrior? Or has the time come to set aside the cloak he has worn for so long? The final pieces of the plan are moving into place, and the coming war can no longer be avoided. Nataša Drobná can only hope to stay on her brother's good side by offering as much aid and support as she can. If she fails, she will lose her family, her throne, and maybe even her life.