Chenir has allied with the kingdoms. The great serpent has bonded to the lisincend. And the ancient draasin Asboel lies injured. Tan enters the Fire Fortress, seeking an alliance with the lisincend. Doing so requires him to attempt a shaping he isn't certain he can control, and this time without his draasin for help. The Par-shon attack has reached the mainland, pushing through Chenir, as the final battle with the unstoppable Utu Tonah approaches. Survival hinges on old friends and a new connection, but can Tan control enough power to defeat him, with one of his bonded near death?