The Great War against the Roche is over. But the world is grey, battered, and the promise of peace never quite materialises for Hal Kailas. Even the joy has gone from the Dragonmaster's marriage, for reasons neither he nor Lady Khiri can determine. As predicted, with the end of the war not only dragon fliers, but dragons themselves have been cast aside. However, an old concern re-emerges ... what or who is savaging the dragons in their native lands? Enlisting trusted comrades, Hal embarks on a new crusade, and discovers a threat, not just to the dragons but to man himself.