The empress of Khalindaine is dying, and the kingdom is threatened by a desperate struggle for power. The ambitious brothers, the Gyr Orland and the Gros of Weir, plot to abduct the heir to the throne – the illegitimate son of the empress, who is as yet unaware of his own identity. Suddenly, the empire faces further jeopardy - a violent uprising of the inhuman Agaskan. Only the true heir can save the kingdom, and survive the Rite of Endyear.