After fateful adventure in China, Capt. Laurence and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, are waylaid by a mysterious envoy bearing urgent new orders from Britain. Three valuable dragon eggs have been bought by the Ottoman Empire, and Laurence and Temeraire must detour to Istanbul to escort the precious cargo back to England. Time is of the essence if the eggs are to be borne home before hatching. Disaster threatens the mission at every turn. They are faced with betrayal and they must launch a daring offensive.What chance do they have against the massed forces of Bonaparte's implacable army?