Coiran Hiralad is a former slave, on her way to join a temple in Rossi. When the ship she is travelling on is caught in a storm, she finds herself offered up in sacrifice. For it is said:
'Only a death can calm a storm at sea.'
Elam taking part in the ritual of blot aesildur, discovers Coiran on the beach miraculously alive, despite her injuries. With even the doors of temple hospices barred for the night, Elam has no choice but to take her into his household in order to save her life.
But no good deed goes unpunished.
When the king is killed in a hunting accident and the man responsible is found dead in his cell. Elam suspects a coup. A worrying possibility, especially when he finds himself named heir to the throne.
As the body count rises, the lord witan arrests Coiran. Is she involved? Or is she innocent of the crimes of which she is accused? Elam must discover the truth, before he becomes the next victim.
Innocent or guilty, one thing is clear. There is more to Coiran than meets the eye.
