In the land of Caradore, a small state in the north of Magravandias, the ruling family, the Palindrakes, are under siege from the emperor, who seeks the powers and ancient wisdom which are channelled to the eldest son of each generation through the sea dragons. Though the emperor succeeds in subjugatiing the Palindrakes, the women initiate the Sisterhood of the Dragon, a secret female sect that will keep alive the memory of the old rites and ways until the time has come for a new Sea Dragon Heir to reclaim the powers of his ancestors. And now, three generations on, the twins Pharinet and Valraven Palindrake are about to discover their heritage. Pharinet is initiated into the Sisterhood of the Dragon and learns her brother is the dragon heir ¿ and the sisterhood believes now is the time for him to take his rightful place: as emperor of Magravandias, with all the mystical power of the sea dragons behind him.