Shale has been betrayed, drugged, and left at the feet of his greatest enemy. Now he must decide to work with those who have plotted against him or let thousands of waterless die. He has great power but is not Stormlord. At least, not yet ... Terelle has escaped the Scarpen in search of her homeland and her people, the mysterious Watergivers. But a desperate message will send her back to find Shale and face her worst fears.