Lew Alton is also resentful, first that the Comyn have accepted him only grudgingly because his mother was part Terran and from Aldaran, a Domain now excluded from the Comyn Council; and secondly for the sometimes-unjust compromises of Comyn politics. He holds to the loyalties he has been taught, however, and is sent as the envoy to Aldaran Domain when politics require a diplomatic visit there.
The Darkovan aristocracy are frequently telepaths, though Regis is afraid that he will never become one as the ability usually awakens at puberty if it is present. During the first weeks as a cadet, he realizes that he has become aware of other telepaths, and that Danilo is also psi-gifted, which makes Danilo's removal from the Guards even more wrenching. At the end of his first season as a cadet he visits Danilo's home and discovers that Danilo's disgrace was an unjust means of revenge after Danilo hurt Dyan Ardais' pride.
Meanwhile, Lew Alton has journeyed to Aldaran Domain where he sees a different flavor of Terran-Darkovan cooperation which benefits both sides more than the grudging co-existence practiced by the Comyn Council. He also meets several young telepaths in the Aldaran household, including Marjorie Scott, who want to further this cooperation by setting up a circle of working telepaths using a crystal matrix which amplifies psi power enough to use for technological applications, such as powering spaceships. The available matrix crystal they have, however, is tainted by use as a weapon (or by Sharra, goddess of fire and uncontrolled fury, according to the older beliefs about matrix crystals). The Aldaran heir, Beltran, is rash enough to kidnap Danilo when Lew mentions that Danilo is a rare catalyst telepath and might be convinced to work outside the Comyn. Danilo is understandably upset at being grabbed by force from his home.
When Danilo is discovered missing, Regis, who has sworn to clear Danilo's name, starts the days-long journey to Aldaran Domain to rescue him, for evidence suggests that he was taken there. When the old lord of Alderan dies and Beltran inherits control of the domain, neither Lew nor Regis nor Danilo is in a good position to refuse to work with the Sharra matrix, although it is obvious to them that only destruction can result.