After Detan retrieves the renowned engineer Nouli from the clutches of theempire, he returns his aunt’s city to find it under siege by Thratia’s army.With Nouli’s help, they turn back the tide - until imperial forces show up,prepared to hammer Thratia’s army against the anvil of the city’s walls. Worseyet, the imperial advance is aided by an elite force of deviant magic users.His aunt is forced to forge an uneasy alliance with Thratia to keep the cityfrom falling back under imperial control - but Detan’s wary. While Thratia andhis aunt bring their forces to bear against the imperial threat, Detan putshis own plans into motion, scheming to ensure that when the final blow isdealt, Thratia and her army find themselves on the other side of the city’swalls.