The casualties of war must number those who are left behind during a retreat. Journeyman Magician Rollett didn't have time to follow his mentor's retreat from Hanassa through the damaged dragongate. Now he's trapped behind the magical portal that isolates the haven of outlaws, Rovers, mercenaries, and exiled magicians. He gathers a ragged band to dig out the collapsed entrance to the lost city while he seeks a path through volcanic tunnels in hope of reviving the dragongate before the next kardiaquake destroys it forever. Apprentice Magician Powwell had to leave behind his half-sister Kalen when he was forced to flee Hanassa. Although she is the only person he loves, he fears she is possessed by the tyrannical spirit of the original red dragon, whose spirit jumps from one tyrant to the next and rules the city. Yaala-the orphaned daughter of the deceased Kaalipha of Hanassa-who was also possessed by the bloodthirsty red dragon. She believes she has learned enough to govern the city properly. Together, Powwell and Yaala brave the tunnels in an attempt to return to the city. Yaala teaches Powwell to love again, but she has already given her heart to Rollett, who wants only to go home. Can the magicians from Coronnan find a way out and a means to save the people before they too succumb to the cruel ghosts, the murderous rages, starvation, and the evil that infects the city?