The high seas, a heading, and a hangover.
When infamous royal sea-elf captain, Bellona Glenon, proves to be a menace at a ceremony for her baby niece, she is sent on her way-to the nearest tavern-where her plans to drown her sorrows are interrupted by a better prospect: an easy wager. The prize? A treasure map-and a chance for one last adventure with her brother, Eevan.
But that ship has sailed for King Eevan, and instead he counters with an ultimatum.
Take their sensible older brother, Peverell, along instead and, most importantly, sober up-or be left out of her niece's life.
Determined to prove she's more than just a loose cannon, Bellona puts down the drink and takes up the challenge. It's only after meeting the scholarly dark-elf, Helio Lothar, she realizes she might just be in over her head.
As Bellona and Helio work together to uncover the ancient secret, dodging coast guards, booby traps, and death at every turn, they draw nearer to the treasure and to each other. The closer they become though, the clearer it is that Helio is thirsting for more than knowledge, and the act first, think later Captain Bellona must decide if she'll trust her gut, or her heart ...