Kin Underbridge and Halleyne dar Dero have survived shipwreck, revolution, and the magic of a malevolent serpent goddess. At last their skills have brought them back to the continent of Feyndala. To home -- but not to safety. For the powers that shipwrecked them are now in control of Feyndala's kingdoms. Halleyne and Kin must arrange the rescue of those they left behind . . . but the forces of four nations are arrayed against them.Between life and death stand one novice judge, one untrained sprirt-sorceress . . . and the truth.