Cadets Rayan al-Qatil and Shahzad al-Salkhad are looking forward to an easy assignment guarding the continent of Jannah's preeminent athletic competition, the Pattern Games, before graduating from their country's military academy. Rayan is headed for a quiet life as a scout at the border fortress of Maebar al-Bourzey. Shahzad will be appointed commander of the great military fortress of Altawam in preparation for his destiny to serve as a provincial governor. All of this changes when they learn that a fellow cadet has been blackmailed into aiding the kidnapping of a competitor at the Games. When the authorities ignore their warning and the competitor is kidnapped, Rayan and Shahzad must launch a daring rescue with the help of a band of mysterious foreign adventurers.
