The race to collect all five ancient Relics becomes increasingly desperate as three of the five become active. Secrets in Ehlrist's past are forced to the surface, and he discovers that he carries a rare power trace that may be the key to destroying this great threat. But with the ricker venom in his veins becoming a dark part of himself, Ehlrist is also forced to battle his internal demons as precious time slips away.While Slate takes his rider to safety to recover from their recent brushes with death, the pieces of sinister political plots are moved into place. Mauser entrusts Ehlrist and Slate into the ranks of the Sound and begins training him to destroy the Relics. But as luck finally turns in their favor, Mauser discovers that Ehlrist carries a lingering compulsion from Hunter that threatens to unravel everything that they have worked for. He must decide if the dragonrider has become too great of a threat to himself and his country.As Sauderons invade and besiege the Capitol, hope falters and dissent begins to grow within the dragons. Ehlrist finds his newfound powers a threat to all that he cares for, even his blooming love for Koda and the powerful bond he shares with his dragon. Sheila and her black dragon challenge Lowell and Glayshr for control of the dragons as the stakes mount even higher. Ehlrist finds himself in the middle as the clash between old rivals, dragons, and nations reaches a climax. Slate, Koda, and Mauser join Ehlrist as these forces all collide into a single battle. They must call upon all of their allies and courage and hope against hope that everything they have will be enough.