Lord Mordarian might have been captured, but that doesn't mean that the battle with him is over. Now, Annie and Draken must convince the reluctant nobles to convict him. Unfortunately, they're also facing a number of trials of their own--including an unexpected limitation of Annie's powers that's making it increasingly difficult for her to use any of her magic at all. As Annie and Draken face the trial together, they find themselves at odds with one another as never before. Surrounded by family who has the potential to cause as many problems as they fix, struggling to come to an agreement over how to handle her increasing weakness, the Dawnfires must balance the needs of their people against their own needs--and this time, Annie might not have a choice about who she puts first.