Something dark and terrible is attacking the peaceable lands of Nesht, bringing death and ruin in the night and then vanishing back into the cold mists of the surrounding mountains. Two powerful Ring-Witches, Mayra and Wolfe, join uneasy forces to investigate the ongoing—and very puzzling—destruction. How can something be formidable and vile enough to incinerate entire villages and tracts of forests, slaughter people and animals, yet leave behind massive amounts of valuable gold and jewels, and do so unseen? What do these savage invaders want? As their investigation continues, the two young warriors begin feeling, and then hearing something, seeking them out. The presence refuses to identify itself. But it is large and powerful, and capable of bringing scorching, mind-rending pain to the two Witches, and then despairingly apologizing for it. When Mayra finds a huge, bloodstained talon, she finally knows what is trying to connect with them…a Dragon. Once upon a time, Dragons were treasured allies of the Witches. But now, they are monsters, bringing death and ruin to everything they touch. Mayra and Wolfe must discover what has changed the beasts, once considered noble and altruistic. They will have to face down unknown enemies and betrayal from within to save a great black Dragon and his Clan from an ancient evil and savage enchantment. How can they stop a war the humans cannot possibly win, knowing that no matter what the outcome, the Ring-Witches have no hope of resurrecting their alliance with the mighty beasts that were once their companions. Mayra, Wolfe, and their small, fierce assembly of Witches travel far and hard to learn that there are some things worth more than a life, and causes that even Dragons will willingly die for.