A long-standing détente has shattered leading to war. Hatched far from home, the Lost Princess of Ilmatar has narrowly evaded capture by hostile forces intent on using her in a dangerous game of leverage. With assistance from unorthodox sources, the Red Star Regime suffered their first defeat at a great cost. War is declared as relations between staunch allies fray to the point of dissolution. Resources are hastily reshuffled as harsh realities shatter illusions. Red Star contemplates their next moves while mysterious friends are reunited. Snow and Giem, dragon and man, once more find themselves subject to executing the decisions of others. Together with cryptic Satchel and battered Ottavia, they must journey into a daunting unknown, venturing to a place and people that appears utterly alien.
