Nuarkh's bone shell is covered with cracks, and old wounds hurt underneath. It's time for him to force himself to rest, and a trip to the picturesque sky islands seems like a great idea. Only the Curse has other plans for the one-eyed tramp. It drags Nuarkh under the clouds - into a hot ashen city, tormented by thirst and hatred. There is hot dust in the air and a feeling of inevitable doom. But every scar of Nuark is a reminder of the trouble he has experienced; he has long been able to turn disasters to his advantage.