Our heroes have finally escaped from the Roq and are on their way to meet with the Sharai tribes as the djinni ordered. But travel through Outremer is not without dangers. The desert is a deadlier foe than any man.

Then there is the matter of Marron, who is now host to a powerful spirit. He has become what the Sharai call the Ghost Walker, a mystical hero who, it is said, will one day lead them to glory. As such he has attracted the attention of the most fanatical of Sharai warriors. These are men who devote their lives to perfecting their fighting skills, the legendary Sand Dancers.