The dargon, Tintaglia, released from her wizardwood coffin, flies high over Rain Wild river. Below her, Reyn and Selden have been left to drown; while Malta and Satrap attempt to navigate the acid flow of the river in a decomposing boat. Althea and Brashen are finally at sea together, sailing the liveship Paragon into pirate waters to resscue the Vestrit family liveship, Vivacia, who was stolen by the pirate king, Kennit; but there is mutiny brewing amongst their ragtag crew, and in the mind of the mad ship itself. And all the while the waters around the Vivacia are seeting with giant serpents, following the liveship as she sails to her destiny. -- back cover.