With peace restored in the kingdoms of Tsaia and Lyonya, the newly crowned kings Mikeli and Kieri face trouble in keeping their thrones due to threats from an ex-pirate, an aggressive kingdom to the north, and corrupt magical forces.

The Lady of the elves has been slain and King Kieri injured by the iynisin, a corrupted race of elves whose poisonous touch means grisly death for all who stand in their way. As the Lady's elves retreat to bury their dead, strange discoveries are made in the palace, revealing old secrets about the ancient alliance between humankind and elves. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Tsaia, young Prince Camwyn begins to exhibit dangerous signs of magical ability....