Nearly fifteen hundred years before the events that take place in Flesh and Fire, the Lands of Vin were ruled by arrogant prince-mages, who derived their power from spellwine.

To put an end to the prince-mages' tyranny, Zatim, a demigod more commonly referred to as "Sin Washer", drastically reduced the magic contained in the spellgrapes used to make spellwine.

The prelude of the book describes a mutant grub infestation Master Vinart Sionio of Iaja discovers in his vineyards.

Meanwhile, in Atakus, Prince Erebuh has just received a negotiator from a Vineart on the nearby island of Ekai concerning the loss of three ships carrying spellwine.

This is highly unusual, as Atakus, a key port for ships, makes extensive use of spellwines to ensure fair weather.

Upon further investigation by Atakus's Master Vineart, Edon, it is discovered that the negotiator's actions were not his own, but under the influence of spellwine.

In Aktakus, Prince Erebuh decides to completely isolate the island in a veil of fog, at the suggestion of Master Vineart Edon.

Two weeks later, a messenger from Prince Ranulf arrives, and tells Malech that a sea serpent has destroyed the entire town of Darcen.

Giordan's dependence on the maiar of Aleppan is already under criticism from the Collegium, and when news of the exchange reaches Washers in Upper Altenne, they send Brother Darian to learn more about Jerzy.

When Jerzy secretly tastes Giordan's grapes to determine if they were used to create the sea serpent, he is spotted by Brother Darian.