Valentin and Cassius, uncles to the empress of Jovan, are recalled from exile only to be sent to Ilas. The Ilasian princess Isobel has fled to her homeland after killing her Veribian husband, and the Veribians have sent an armada to exact revenge. Valentin once courted Isobel, but those days are long past, and now Ilas begs Jovan's help to resolve the standoff without bloodshed.

As one crisis is resolved another arises. Back in the capital, Valentin is haunted by the women he has loved, and takes up with a young girl from the docks, while Cassius loses himself in tactics and training. In the background lurks the dark figure of Magnus the Papirian, who holds in his hands the secret of the crime which led Valentin and Cassius to be banished eighteen years before.

Welcome to Book 2 of the Frequent Traveller's Guide to Jovan.