In Magrast, the capital of the Magravandian Empire, the emperor lies dying while his warring sons wait in the background to fight for the throne against the legitimate heir, Prince Gastern. The Dragon Lord Valraven Palindrake has vowed to support Gastern. But other people, in secret cabals across the world, have different ideas. Valraven is the Sea Dragon Heir of mystical Caradore, the only man fit to wear the ancient Crown of Silence that embodies all the best qualities of a true king. As the new emperor goes slowly insane, tormented by horrific visions, Valraven is forced to face up to the dreams that others have invested in him. And the great dragons of old are awakened from their timeless sleep as the eternal conflict between Foy, the Sea Dragon Queen of Caradore and Efrit, Lord of the Magravandian Firedrakes, is played out through human avatars.