After calming Liskal's rage, Sena and Keith return to the royal capital of Vekral, where they're in for a double whammy of a shock. Not only has the news that Sena is a caller spread like wildfire, but the kingdom has also proclaimed to the masses that Keith and Sena are engaged! Vekral's rulers intend to use Sena's powers as a political bargaining chip, and their posturing is immediately noticed: The neighboring kingdom of Phondona, with the fire dragon king in captivity, threatens war and demands to see the caller in the flesh. As Sena grapples with the gravity of her new role, Keith goes on the alert when Phondona's emperor gets a little too touchy with her...