Vaksilium Ladrian has fought for many years against a secret criminal organization called the Circle, led by his sister Telsin.
Eventually, age took its toll, and Vaks turned to politics and raising children. But now Wayne and Marasi have discovered evidence that the Circle has resumed its activities, which are extremely dangerous for the country.
The conflict between the capital, Elendel, and the Remote Cities plays into the hands of the criminals.
Neighbors, the inhabitants of the recently discovered Southern Continent, threaten not only war but also serious troubles, and Harmony, the god who is the patron of Skadrial, has plenty of his own concerns.
During an experiment with rare metals, Vaks makes a terrifying discovery, and he has to return to the craft of the lawmaker...