The 'Sarina' saga continues with a story of young love amid a community ravaged by terrifying oppression. Jaxaal Norland's best friend Rydall hopes to be accepted as an apprentice smith. Arriving at the Cordale Complex, Rydall finds love but discovers a community oppressed by a terrifying band of renegades. Resolving to correct the injustices, he enlists the help of the complex's apprentices. They succeed in changing the situation - for the worse. Then Jaxaal, Sarina and a group of trainee Guardians arrive and a solution to the problem is attempted.