Lady Andrade appoints Andry, nephew of High Prince Rohan, to translate the scrolls with the help of Hollis, his brother Maarken's unofficial betrothed.

As Andry and Hollis work through the translation and the embedded code, they learn that the scrolls deal with ancient sorcerers and sorcery.

One of her charges, Segev, Ianthe's youngest son, travels to Goddess Keep to pose as a young faradhi in order to steal the scrolls.

Unfortunately, another assassination attempt is made, this time ending in the death of Maeta, one of Rohan's most favored guards.

As the Princes debate the issue, Segev continues to drug Hollis, who in turn draws away from Maarken.

As the Desert entourage travels home, accompanied by Hollis, who is slowly recovering, a valley filled with dragons is discovered.