In this sequel novella to Mira’s Last Dance, Temple sorcerer Penric as well as the widow Nikys have finally reached security in the duchy of Orbas when a secret letter from a pal provides frightening news: Nikys’ mother continues to be taken hostage by her brother’s enemies at the Cedonian imperial court, and confined in a precarious island sanctuary.Their own romance still unresolved, Nikys, Penric, and of course Desdemona must infiltrate the hostile country once more, finding on the way that family relationships can be as unexpectedly challenging as any rescue scheme.