The fate of the Shieldlands is decided in Herot's Great Hall as judgement day arrives and a new leader is chosen. Rheda has to prove herself worthy to become the ruler of all the Shieldlands, whilst been aware of the turmoil between the tribes and the ever-present threat of a civil war.

Slean feels that the walls are closing in on him, as his intended bride is now in Herot, but his true love elsewhere. He has to decide whether to remain loyal to his mother or not.