Nienor leaves the Sanctuary for Kharidja, the ocre city, on the other side of the Ocine sea. She hopes to save a couple of rare eagles. But, as soon as landing from the Ecrevisse, her friend Colson's ship, she discovers a dancing koï has been captured. The sultan plans to oppose it to his gladiators in the arenas, for his & his subjects' pleasure. Will the audacious princess dare, against all odds, face a bloodthirsty pirate, Al-Hardaïa soldiers, and many other dangers to save the animal from a terrible death?