A temple containing and enigmatic egg has appeared in the nightly dreams of the leader of the Jolao empire, Rin Jao. Thousands of followers of the Wanlutan and the Holy Kyandara have gathered at Rangorn-Vuchuli, awaiting the coming holy war for Aurduin. The determined leader of the resistance, Kalzhat, has gathered his own rag-tag army in the heart of Jeaniaurduin, ready to strike out against the Jolao and bring their mining operations to a halt. Orobai has awakened, but Miraanni has disappeared into the Void of the Goarnaltrai. In her absence, Orobai embarks on a new quest to the far north of Aurduin to discover the identity of the White Eagle, the source of the kyandara possessed by Ashi. Undertaking her own quest, Nataali sets out from Laftandiar-Urya in her solar sailboat for a voyage around Aurduin, trespassing right into the heart of the Jolao Empire. Multiple story-line weave and intertwine in this engrossing and surprising continuation of the epic adventure that began with Orobai's Vision.