When a misjudged omen undermines a tyrant's rule, how will he ensure his survival? When the Skyfire arrives early, Dagla Kaz sets out for the ancient homeland to harvest a new Godwood and exchange Virgin Gifts. He must lead his pilgrims hundreds of leagues over pirate-infested seas, across hostile lands, and return triumphant before the seared sky dies back to normality. In his father's absence, the renegade Aklon risks torture and death to bring justice to the people. Mindtalk with a wise woman on the distant mainland has opened his eyes to the evil underlying the society he inhabits. And,...

Mistake follows mistake, but the despotic leader is determined to carry on a quest that risks disaster for all but promises reward for him. In spite of signs he may be wrong, Dagla Kaz goes ahead with the pilgrimage. Events expose the unexpected fate of his daughter, Jodisa-Li, bringing violent threat his life. Different versions of history raise serious doubts, but he still pursues the Skyfire, only to see his Virgin Gifts captured by wild men. Will he recover them intact so his mission can continue? Convinced the time is ripe for his planned uprising on the island, Aklon-Dji acts, causing...