Attempting to escape the past can have devastating consequences... Ask Tavin Sylvain, who is trying to forget all about the abuse he suffered at the hands of the trolls six months earlier. Ask Kitiara, who would like to escape her sordid past in Kartonn, where she was known as the Princess of Pleasure. Or ask King Jansson van Tannen, who would like nothing better than to keep his family intact and not have to face the possibility of losing one of his own beloved children to fate. When the past rears its ugly head, all three are thrown into turmoil. Tavin, Brann and Kitiara are lost in Karsaba, without magic, without direction, without hope. And in the middle of a troll invasion. In a race against time, King Jansson and King Kyel gather their closest friends and allies to find the children before the trolls find them first.