In this, the second volume of True Fire, the Empress Martine, with the assistance of a Q'Herindam Dark Mage, makes a concerted attempt to take the city of Belvedere in Southland and rule in Dominion over all the lands. As her horde streams through the gates into Belvedere, her success is almost guaranteed, only she has overlooked Arwhon and the shadowy being within him.
With his Shield and Servant, Arwhon fights Martine in unexpected ways, using strategy which flows into his head unasked for and always seems to be the correct way to go. While Arwhon is occupied, Kuiran discovers his true identity in a most unusual way and finds a guardian who has been watching out for him. Trouble is, Martine's army is camped outside Belvedere's gates and the Reavers are coming with a hundred ships!
Many more characters are introduced into the unfolding and enlarging story of Arwhon and his fight against evil, as new lands and the people inhabiting them are introduced and brought to life.