War-King Elam is dead. Or that is what his enemies want his companions to think. Stuffed into a box, transported across the country, all Elam knows is that he is to be delivered to some unknown buyer, his continuing existence a threat to his beloved homeland. Haunted by his death, Coiran is grateful for the distraction when she is asked to assist in the investigation of several unsolved murders. But when she hears Elam calling from the city harbour, Coiran decides to do anything to find him. Even follow him to Roscara, where she is a wanted fugitive with a price on her head. Yet Roscara is in turmoil, plagued by drought and earthquakes. Can Coiran find him before Elam is broken in mind and body and Roscara burns?