After returning from their victory at the Battle of Dillend, Rinder's Six had heavy hearts. For their victory they had paid a high price: Edryd of Kalt was dead. And to make things worse, just a few days later, King Garith III also passed away.

With the passing of the King, the meeting of the Council of the Knights of Rinder took on new meaning, for the Council Knights now had the task of recommending to the Dukes and Duchesses a successor to the throne. Yet Rinder's Six had uncovered a plot connecting the Duke Elgar of the Great House of Seden with the Baron General Wade III. In fact, Duke Elgar, according to the Baron General, was supposed to have the Council Knights assassinated during their meeting--which was to take place in Seden!

So with very little time to spare, Rinder's Six set off for the learned city of Seden. Joining them on this quest was Naeron Thess, liege to Sir Bryant of the Great House of Raimead, in an effort to secure the support of Rinder's Six for Bryant's bid for the throne. Once at Seden, Emma, Cy, and Naeron saw to appearing at Elgar's court and learning what they could from the personalities there and from the Council Knights, themselves. Meanwhile, Crayne, under the disguise of invisibility, infiltrated the Duke's castle and uncovered proof implicating Lady Hannah in the murderous and traitorous conspiracy. At the same time, Storm, Canter, and Hannibal joined with a group from the local thieves' guild to try and discover who exactly was to carry out the assassination.

After bringing Lady Hannah of the Great House of Seden up charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, and treason, Rinder's Six, along with three of the Council Knights, were sent into the tunnels beneath the city to arrest the Master Thief, and the brains behind the assassination attempt at the Round Room of the Great Forum. After a terrific battle, the Master Thief, Rayton, was brought to justice. Lady Hannah was found guilty, but at the insistence of Emma, was spared the penalty of death.

Now, with the Council's safety secured, as well as its endorsement of Sir Bryant for the throne proclaimed, things were looking better. That is, until news broke out that the Dwarves of the Raimead Mountains had descended from their homes and erected a blockade. It is up to Rinder's Six to find out why the Dwarves have done this, and to bring the situation to an end.