Ten years after the trial where Christabel threw down the would-be god, Ssanek, Christa has finally graduated as a full Hawk of the Roost. But her first mission could prove to be just as dangerous. The queen has seen something, a danger approaching from the west, Ssanek has returned. Now Christa must accomplish what no elf has before. The humans must be turned from enemies to friends if either race is to have a hope of facing the storm to come. Steven has the misfortune of witnessing the rise of this storm firsthand. Driven from his new home in Chisara, he and Honovi rush to spread word of the Ssanek cult. Racing before the cresting wave they can only hope not to be caught up in the rush of violence behind them.