Thorn is a member of the Pilotas Guildathose who possess the magical ability to navigate Crosspointeas deadly seas. When a malevolent master within the Guild bans him from the sea, it seems his life is over. Then he is kidnapped and forced to serve aboard the rogue ship "Eidolon"apitch black from bow to sternaand Thorn finds himself battling a mad captain, a mutinous crew, and the terrifying magic of the sea.
But there is a saboteur on board, trying to make sure the "Eidolon" never arrives safely in port. Thorn begins to realize his kidnapping may have been no mere chancea and that the cargo the black ship carries may seal his doom.