When the death of his mother brought the boy Rodrigo to the throne of Caledon, he also inherited the power of the Still, a magic that enables him to touch the minds of his ancestors and benefit from their wisdom. As the kingdom of Caledon faces war from enemies to the north and treachery from those who do not accept his rulership, Rodrigo must learn to take up the reins of leadership while curbing his own instincts for cruelty and impulsiveness. Feintuch's sequel to The Still explores the fate of a young man come too soon to power and the sacrifices he must make for the good of the realm.