Mount Aris, Jewel of the South, Citadel of Sea, Sky, and Stone, place of singing heights and awesome depths, and beloved home of Silverstream, is sending her (along with her parents, of course) on a mission to Griffonstone, the great city beyond the Celestial Sea. Queen Novo sent them to call on their ancient friendship with the Groverians and ask for help dealing with a sudden spike in disappearances. What started out as individuals vanishing without a trace has turned into entire ships suddenly disappearing, frequently enough to scare most of the traders away from the Straits of Aris. Nobody knows what's causing the disappearances, though after a month almost everyone agrees that it's foul play.

But whose play? Pirates would try to ransom their captives, murderers would have slipped up by now, and slavers wouldn't risk drawing the Dragon Lord's ire by attacking Cadmun ships.

Who's behind the disappearances? Where are those who disappear going? What does 'ATHANG' mean, and why did Queen Novo give Sky Beak a note saying it? (And what else was written on it?)

Silverstream sails across the Celestial Sea, in search of Griffonstone, adventure, and answers.