For Elroi

The Rider of Blizzards and Wind is gone. With the willing help of the zora of Honar and their Honari cavalry companions, Senra must navigate Elroi back into life without the assistance and advice of her friend. As she does so, lost Elroi begins to waken, bringing stability and purpose to the dispossessed from Honar and the other breeds of man who settle there. Gradually each group becomes accustomed to the different appearances and customs of the others, although some of the old tensions inevitably remain.

Despite this, all appears peaceful. But when the benevolent northern Emperor dies, his war-like successor declares war on Elroi and sends forth his forces bent on conquest. Once again, the ageing zora and their cavalry counterparts, assisted by their inexperienced and non-military compatriots, must take to the battlefield; but this time the result has the potential to undo all that they have achieved.

Senra's twin children, Tafrine and Hariol, must learn how to rule the awakening land, supported by their aunt and Ritilise the madam, guided by their mother's friend Linfarr. But the actions of one of them are controlled by a malevolent being from Farr's past that seeks only her destruction, actions that could de-stabilise the emerging nation. Only the difference between the children and the other breeds of man can stop it.

But it is not the lessons in statecraft, riding, self-defence or the many other things the twins must learn that enables them to finally unravel the secret of Elroi.