Stasya and her companions have made a remarkable journey to find the true heir to the Rulership, believed dead as a child. Now they must bring Markus back to court for the Ruler’s Grand Council, where he will stand up and reveal himself. Until then his survival must be kept secret, for not only is he himself at risk, but the Ruler’s guards will be on the roads, hunting for the fugitives. While Markus, in seclusion, prepares himself for the great task ahead, the team heads away from Heartwood, accompanied by two of the Forest Folk. Olev and Eldur, with their uncanny gifts, can provide a level of security beyond the ability of human guards.

Stasya and Karolis, with Olev, join a troupe of travelling players. As a storyteller, Stasya can pass on the message of justice and harmony, while Karolis can both guard her and exercise his own talents. Aleksis, with Matiss and Eldur for support, covers many miles to seek the support of trusted allies.

The journey holds many dangers: shipwreck, armed attack, monsters both human and uncanny. While Olev and Eldur can find shortcuts unknown to humankind, those hidden ways have their own perils. Stasya’s small companion, Flip, is both gift and burden in a realm where any suggestion of witchcraft can lead to a death sentence. As they travel, the team learns just how much damage the Ruler’s desperate quest for amber is inflicting on her people, with land laid ruin and communities struggling to meet her unreasonable demands. And they learn how much stronger they can be when they stand together.

All fear the final confrontation. All know how much hangs in the balance. In the end, could storytelling be the key?