Will, who is now a full-fledged Ranger, must rescue his friend Alyss from a rogue knight and uncover vital information needed to ward off a Scotti invasion.

When fifteen-year-old Will is rejected by battleschool, he becomes the reluctant apprentice to the mysterious Ranger Halt, and winds up protecting the kingdom from danger.

After Jason succeeds in finding a way back to Lyrian, he's immediately in more danger than ever. Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have made their own progress--as well as discovered new enemies. As the group ultimately rejoins, they strive to convince their most needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph against the emperor.

Will, now a full-fledged Ranger responsible for a sleepy fief, finds a new adventure as he seeks the traitors who poisoned the king, investigates rumors of sorcery, and tries to rescue his friend Alyss, who is taken hostage.

Chasing the Skandian slave-traders who kidnapped Will and Evanlyn, Ranger Halt and warrior student Horace find themselves in the frozen northern islands, where they battle a ruthless black-clad knight as they attempt to rescue their friends.