"I want to make a difference in the world and all I get is more washing up " Marheh had longed to be apprenticed to the Silberay but the experience was not quite what she imagined. Her mentor expected her to be obedient, even humble, and instead of teaching her to steer the boat they lived on she expected her to tend the fire and empty the toilet bucket. Nemle had looked forward to having an apprentice. She would be like a daughter to her, the daughter she had never had, but her apprentice had a mind of her own. She was rude, sulky and opinionated and did not want to learn. Living together on...

Marheh has been found guilty of using her mental ability for the purposes of exploitation and now faces a choice of harsh and unpalatable punishments. She knows she has enemies, but who are they, and how have they infiltrated the Silberay to cause her such injustice? She and Nemle, her mentor and friend, face grave dangers attempting to discover the answers to these questions, but they must proceed if they are to clear Marheh's name and to allow them both to continue to live and work on the Water Road.

Marheh has finally graduated after her long apprenticeship. Nemle has retired and she is now alone on Day Bringer. Her first solo voyage brings more challenges than she could ever have imagined.

Marheh unexpectedly finds herself in the position of Harbour Master. The job demands more skill and courage than she expects.