In the sky above the island of Qrachàr, King Lízhu of the Ru kingdom of Ézhulí leads a fleet of airships against the forces of Rélí, a rival house that has challenged him for the throne. Composed mainly of lighter, more mobile warships, the fleet of Rélí has an advantage in cloudy skies--but a break in the clouds now exposes them to Lízhu's superior lineship firepower. Soon Rélí will be forced to retreat from Qrachàr--save for the portion of their battle line that lays in burning pieces among the hills below.