Harko has fallen. Finally, the island which was a prized jewel to be unveiled by the Empire has been re-taken. Sadly, nothing can wipe the stain of assassination from its shores. Worse yet, Tupan Virachoa is nowhere to be found.

Rebel King, royal murderer, and nephew of the Archon, Tupan has escaped into space, to find new allies. His mother Ocala, however, has engineered both the escape and the safeworld. Uncovering House Virachoa's ancient allies, presumed long-eradicated, she has embarked on a quest to cement her son's new Kingdom's standing among the Broken Worlds.

Meanwhile, the Archon fights unexpected battles on new fronts: within his family. Dealing with his daughter and eldest son, Ogan Antares is desperate to hold his Empire together. Trying to avoid a War of Lords, he now fears a war within House Antares! But would his children push so far to destroy the Empire, or come to their senses, and come together for the good of the Homyn race.

It's a time of angst, but also new beginnings. New members of the Council of Travelers are replacing their retiring elders, bringing new ideas, and questioning the past. Houses will be rewarded for their contributions to the Empire, and others will be punished for the pain they've caused.

But the ultimate question remains: will Tupan Virachoa ever see justice for the murders of Duke Ulster and Archona Minerva Antares?