The brewing war leaves many on the wrong side. Bracklin is heading home to Lakehall, with neither Domus nor Justin at her side. But there is still her dream of being a shield maiden, and the Northlands is an easier prison to escape. Or it would be if it weren't for her cousin, Ilexa. Benjim, a reluctant warrior at best, must now serve as a junior officer in the king's military, despite his reservations about the king's advisor, Lord Meron. Can he survive the coming war? And what about Sandalphon, now that the angels have backed out of politics? The plague continues to grow, but are they missing the big picture and the devastation that war will bring?