Book excerpt: A brief but bloody civil war has ended with the Knighthood in tatters. The dead haunt Stillhammer and choke the waters surrounding the Lotus Isles. At great cost, Rowan and his companions healed the breach in the Dragonward, but too late, they learn that a potent enemy has already slipped through. Nekiel, the one foe even Fâyu Jinn failed to slay, is on the move. Rowan and his friends, joined this time by an ally of terrible power and questionable motives, must brace for an epic battle. They race north onto the frigid Wintersea in search of the ultimate game piece that will grant victory to whichever side claims it first: Khyrshar, the last dragon.