 The book follows on almost directly from Fliers of Antares with Prescot journeying back to Havilfar and the Empire of Hamal after an undisclosed time back in Valka.He narrowly escapes a storm and then comes to the rescue of a village attacked by flutsmen, mercenaries mounted on large birds on a slaving raid.He enjoys the hospitality of the remote Paline Valley and its master, Naghan ham Farthytu, while he recovers.