As the rebellion reels from the defeats at Larahope and Zavis, Crineal and Cyndora take some well-deserved leave. Heading to their new home of Glenxanie, they plan to spend a relaxing few months around Crineal's mansion before resuming the fight against the rebels. The attack on the base at Halcanaty promises to be no push over, though, and Crineal knows that even a successful operation won't necessarily give them all the answers he and Sar'Clax need. Information about the shadowy group behind the rebels is essential. Without that, even the destruction of the rebel military doesn't guarantee the end of the war. The cabal backing the rebellion have their own plans, though, and they intend to make sure that the couple never leave Glenxanie alive, let alone end the war.