With Aanthora behind them, Jaxon and his group press on toward the Dotarans' hidden ship, the Aramis, where they hope to find refuge and enlist the help of Demtrius' people. The path will take them through the heart of the Tatoran continent, and, still on the run, they must do whatever they can to avoid detection by the indigenous population. When tragedy strikes, however, Jaxon's race against time is put on hold as he finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conflict with one of Tatora's most fearsome pirates.Meanwhile, Amentus, the High Chieftain of Aanthora, has managed to unite the clans in an effort to finally eliminate the Dotarans. He gathers his army on the great farming plains to the north of Morrgul, and he has not forgotten about the damage that Jaxon has caused him.And, in the background, Ryane's unfortunate journey is just beginning, as she comes face-to-face with her Scynthian captors and learns the sinister purpose behind her abduction.