The best-laid plans are those that change. The Monican Rebellion’s scheme to sabotage the Bregnan government’s defoliant cannons must adjust to a shortened timetable, and flat-out destruction seems their quickest and best alternative. But Aeon has other priorities as well, namely finding her mysterious young trainee, Sithandra, and settling matters properly! No one abhors manipulation more than Aeon, and this is a lesson anyone who confronts her will remember for the rest of their short lives…