Rysn, owner of the Wandering Sail, the crown jewel of the Thaylen fleet, accepts Navani Kholin's business proposal. Queen Urithiru wants to send a research expedition to Akina, the legendary capital of the lost Aimia. Risn has her own interest in this trip. Her larkin is wasting away every day, and she hopes that things will get better in Chiri-Chiri’s homeland. Along with the Tailenians, the windrunners Lopen and Uyo, the zealot Rushu and the daughter of the Stone Struna go on a journey.