As Tradepoint's director, Wyve has to obey his government's commands, even if it means pressuring his Vennan friend, Burlon te Laith, to undertake a risky journey to Sprygale. If Burlon refuses to satisfy the government's demand for geddel crystals, the Vennans risk expulsion from their haven on Tradepoint. Agreeing to travel the River to Sprygale to bring back geddel crystals will put Burlon on a collision course with Gredin's edict against any Vennan Traveler leaving Tradepoint, but what choice does he have, if he wants to keep everyone safe? A third of the Vennan survivors are ill, struggling to retain the gyftes that keep them sane...and one of those afflicted is Gredin. She puts up a bold front, hiding her weakness from friend and foe. But if Burlon openly defies her by leaving Tradepoint, Gredin's hold over the Vennan community might crumble. With an old rival eager to reclaim control.