There are many things Jarlaxle doesn't know - will he, the only survivor of a raid on a slaadi fortress, be able to find his way back? Will he be able, against all odds, to avoid death in the ice caves and help his comrades? One thing he is sure of - even if he returns, in order for Catti-Brie, Entreri and Zaknafein to have at least one chance of salvation, it is necessary find a mighty army. It is unlikely that he will be able to lead the Evendrow army with him, so after returning he will have to assemble a detachment of warriors with exceptional skills and incredible strength. Will he be able to return home? Will he have time to gather many powerful warriors and skilled magicians under his banner? And even if he succeeds, will it be enough? After all, Jarlaxle saw with his own eyes the power of the slaadi and their terrifying deity. The world is burning with fire. Trapped in ice, Jarlaxle is forced to hurry to outrun time itself, carrying a heavy burden of magical secrets in his soul. He will do anything to avoid plunging a peaceful city into the abyss of war and to save his comrades. And he has almost no tricks left......