Sophos, the unwilling prince of Sounis, has disappeared without a trace. Eugenides has never stopped wondering what happened to his friend. Nor has the queen of Eddis, who once offered Sophos her hand. As time goes by, it becomes less and less certain that they will ever see their friend again.

Across the small peninsula battles are fought, bribes are offered, and conspiracies are set in motion. Darkening the horizon, the Mede Empire threatens from across the sea.

And Sophos, anonymous and alone, bides his time. Drawing on his memories of Gen, Pol, the Magus and Eddis, he sets out on an adventure that will change all of their lives forever . . .