As the last of a magical empire implodes under barbarian invasion, the dragon who founded it stirs strange forces to restore the crumbling power of her chosen people. Caught in the vortex is the half-fay foundling Rothesay, swept into a game of magic and intrigue whose rules she struggles to discover. These currents carry her into the grasp of the former elite guard of the now-empty imperial throne, the dread and mysterious Runedaur knights. From them she learns what true power is -- and how to wield it. Now can she save the emerging young king from becoming their puppet?