Alaron and Ramita's deadly enemies have taken the Scytale of Corineus - the key to gaining the power of an Ascendant mage - as well as one of Ramita's twin sons. Their only hope of preventing disaster lies with a small group of peaceful Zain monks. Meanwhile, in Javon, Queen Cera Nesti, newly freed, takes the reins of power. She needs the skill and courage of her friends to survive, but she must first gain their trust ... The final book in the epic Moontide Quartet