"What do you mean, he knows our secret?" Having survived the Acktus Trials and kept his secret safe-for now-Baz has returned to Erstwhile. But his rest is short lived when an unwelcome guest visits Torchsire Library, bearing news of a revolt amongst the Speakers in Fortune, Oration's wealthiest city. A special session of Oration's Congress has been called and Baz's master is selected to travel to Fortune and represent Erstwhile. Of course, Baz must go with him. Suddenly, Baz has an opportunity to fulfill his promise to the Keepers of Tome-search Fortune for the prophecy that promises to free the Speakers of Oration from slavery. But circumstances quickly turn dangerous when Baz and his companions are attacked on route to Fortune. Baz finds himself at the center of a rebellion he's unsure he wants to join, but is equally unsure he can escape. And as if that wasn't bad enough, Baz discovers that the most powerful man in Fortune not only holds a secret that could destroy all of Oration, but also knows Baz's own. Surrounded by enemies and friends he doesn't trust, can Baz survive, find the prophecy, and become the leader of an uprising?