After residing nearly a year in Portland, Nichole's life seems to finally settle down: with her classes, friends, and lover. But troubling rumors about secret deals between the City's mayor and the savage horsemen to the east reach her ears. With her own skills augmented by her friends and allies, she sets plans into motion she hopes will thwart those in opposition to her dream of a peaceful future. Once again denied a quiet, normal life, Nichole is forced to make hard, dangerous choices that will jeopardize her, her friends, and the survival of the City itself.