Book Two of the Markan Empire Trilogy.

Cleared of all wrongdoing, Marcus Vintner is keen to press his claim to the Markan Throne. But he must first convince the Senate that it is time to replace the sylph-Emperor. Zenepha has proved himself an excellent monarch and the Senate is reluctant to push him aside.

Hingast's army still waits in the west, plotting a fresh assault, and a new threat has risen in the east. Nobody in Marka is certain of Re Taura's plans, so Neptarik and Balnus are sent to learn what they can in Taura City, where spies have an unfortunate habit of getting killed. They must learn Re Taura's intentions quickly, because Marka cannot fight a war on two fronts...

Markan Empire is the sequel to Markan Throne.