When the Brigade's notorious enemy, Kazlyr Baine, is inspired by a playing card to devise a certain plot of manipulation and cunning, the Veisans soon face a mysterious, disembodied threat. Luke hopes to evade the grasp of an Ice Master with an agenda and avoid becoming someone's ticket into the powerful and discreet House of Kazlyr Baine. Mirah strives with urgency to act on a word of her origin from their dying friend. In the meantime, Luke obsesses over his own worthiness before the Guardian, and the Director of Veisani Affairs attempts to discredit the Brigade in the eyes of the Veisans, having noticed that one of them resembles an ancient Guardian imposter. What is so special about a king of hearts playing card? Is the word about Mirah's origin true? Which of them is accused of claiming long ago to be the Guardian? What is the difference between the Guardian and Kazlyr Baine?