“A thrilling adventure saga, featuring a duo from two very different worlds who must use all their wits and courage against formidable adversaries determined to destroy them.” –Jill Hand, author of White Oaks

After an impossible escape from Stronghold Valley, and a perilous journey to Cantor, Raymond and Hanshee found King Moton IX more than willing to aid them in eluding their tireless pursuers. With the king's help, they now travel the Merchant Way, the road that links the nations of the northern plains and mountains to the prosperous southern ports on the eastern coast of the Great Inland Sea.

Along this ancient and well-traveled road, they make new friends and find renewed hope for a peaceful journey to the western slopes of the Blue Towers, the mountains of Hanshee's home. But all is never as it seems, and they soon find themselves immersed in more deadly challenges and high adventure.

The soldiers pursuing the pair from Stronghold remain duty-bound... and relentless, while the Merchant Way carries its own share of mysteries, cruelty, and peril. Added to this deadly mix is a new enemy, their most vicious yet, who closes in from a place they would never expect.

Capture is an ever-present fear, death an ever-present companion, as peace and escape are nowhere to be found for Raymond and The Maiyochi.