After the ending of Touch of Power, Avry decides to go undercover as she wants to see her sister again. Her plans change when she decides to enlist in Estrids army, so that she can teach them how to be stealthy in the forest and they may have a better chance of surviving an attack from Tohon. It was a clever tactic, but it also bought her into the spotlight, especially when her old friends return, Belen, Loren, Quain and Prince Ryne, because they are unaware of her return. 
 Kerrick has many obstacles to overcome as well. He returns home and has to deal with some issues in regards to his family. He leads an army to the north as the tribes are attacking and are either slaughtering or driving the villagers away. The time away from Avry makes it hard, but he is the type of man who takes his position seriously and defeating Tohon is a priority. 
 Learning more about the Lily's is a great aspect of the book. They are a vital piece in the war and Avry is determined to figure it out. We learn a lot about them throughout this book; who they take, why they take them and further uses for the toxins.