Tinasha leaves Farsas to defect to Cuscull at Lanak's side. Something about her actions, however, don't quite add up, which does not escape the notice of Cuscull's chief mage.

During a visit to a fortress on the border of Farsas, Oscar runs into a band of marauding nomads. Their leader challenges Oscar to a duel, on sacred grounds that hide a dark secret.

The kingdom of Farsas enjoys some much-needed peace as the end of the year approaches. Beneath the tranquility, however, a plot is brewing with Farsas Castle as its target.

Oscar and Tinasha venture out to Yarda to find its missing princess, and to put an end to the escalating civil conflict orchestrated by the Witch Who Cannot Be Summoned.