The much awaited second instalment of Rhiannon's Ride from this bestselling Australian author Kate Forsyth Imprisoned in Sorrowgate Tower, Rhiannon awaits her trial for murder and treason, while the winged horse Blackthorn flies forlornly over the Shining City. Alone and in terrible fear for the future, Rhiannon is haunted by the malevolent ghost of a dead queen who has a hunger to live again. Meanwhile, Lewen must resume his studies at the Tower of Two Moons with the other apprentice-witches, among them the banprionnsa Olwynne NicCuinn, who desires more than friendship from Lewen. Drawn back into the intrigues of the court, Lewen finds his loyalty to Rhiannon tested to the utmost limit. Preoccupied with the upcoming wedding of the royal cousins, Donncan and Bronwen, Isabeau the Keybearer fails to investigate Rhiannon's tale of necromancy and ghosts, to her cost. By the time she realises that dark spirits have indeed been disturbed, it is too late, and the royal family is brought face to face with She Who Cuts The Thread.