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.