at stands between a rebellious officer cadet, a dying warlord, the daughter of a dryad, and freedom. It may not be enough. Trying to prepare for his graduation, Rylan sneaks out of his barracks, only to get beaten to within an inch of his life by his estranged brother and then arrested by the Palace Guard. Now he's not sure what is worse: knowing his brother means to steal the title to their bankrupt house or realizing just what his barracks mother is going to do when she has to bail him out. Meanwhile, Counsel Lord Kiernan is dodging assassins as the nine legions of the Kosaran Warhost scream into his mind. Overwhelmed by a gift of farseeing from his war god, Kiernan is desperate to name his heir at graduation and flee the country on a suicide mission for peace. Horrified to know she may be the root cause of both men's suffering, Vinicia might be able to help, but it would mean using her talents as a kindred dryad that she has hidden all her life. At best, she'll be killed. At worst, she'll be tried for treason. With graduation closing in and the war god they serve taking notice of their plans, all three will discover that it takes more than surviving to begin an Envoy to their ancient enemy: the Matriarchy of Lan'lieana. When hope is carried on a knife's edge, though, it will be a soldier who gives peace a fighting chance.