The mysterious world of Kelewan is encircled by magic, mystery and murder. Here at the heart of the Tsurani Empire, Mara, Ruling Lady of the Acoma, leads her people through terror and peril on a truly epic scale. She must contend with powerful rival houses, strike deals with sinister rebel warriors, and forge a treaty with the enigmatic Cho-ja - a race of alien insectoids. But in order to restore the honour of her house, Mara must marry the son of a deadly enemy - and carry the struggle of her people into the heart of his stonghold . . .

Mara of Acoma, Ruling Lady of her house, is a force to be reckoned with when playing the bloody politics of the Game of Council.
She's made great gains for her followers within the Empire, including valuable new lands. But they need cultivating, and slaves are in short supply due to the incessant War efforts against Midkemia.
Mara knows you don't get far without taking a gamble, so against advice she buys a group of Midkemian prisoners-of-war, only to discover that one of them is a noble: Kevin, the third son of the Baron of Zun. When she interviews him, it becomes apparent that he may be of great use in the Game of Council . . .

Mara faces not only the brotherhood of assassins, and the cunning spies of the rival ruling houses, but the awesome Assembly of Magicians, who see her as the ultimate threat to their ancient power.