After having differing successfulness in their Book 6 quests, Kip and Anica are united for a common cause. The two head for Manadell again, where they are offered a risky proposition. Golgothar re-creates his inner circle and widens his activities. Nikolas must deal with increasing pressure from the west, Wohm inches into evermore favorable circumstances, and Modsiw's fate hangs in the balance.