The war is over, and Charlie of Windsong finds herself taking on new responsibilities as the country rebuilds. As a reward for her contributions during the war, the king of Tandora grants her the title of royal ambassador and tasks her with helping the new monarchy mend uneasy relationships with the other countries of the Eastern Lands. In additional to her new position as ambassador, Charlie is still learning to fill the roles of leader of the Order of the Dagger and Keeper of the Gates left to her by the Order's founder, Jordana. When Griffin, with his usual talent for appearing when adventure calls, joins her in her hunt for the magical gates, their search quickly evolves into a quest to rediscover magic lost to the country long ago. But when their search leads them to a place they could only dream of finding, instead of magic and wonder, they encounter danger that may prevent them from coming home again.