In the sequel to <i>Sword of Fire and Sea</i>, Vidarian Rulorat faces the consequences of opening the gate between worlds. Called into service by the desperate young emperor of Alorea, Vidarian must lead sky ships in a war against the neighboring southern empire, train the demoralized imperial Sky Knights to ride beasts that now shapeshift, master his own amplified elemental magic, and win back Ariadel - all without losing his mind.