In the year before the events of Embargo on Hope, the embargo plagues the poor Olan-Har of Vastire. Fifteen-year-old Pavlar Solia seems to be the only one actually looking out for them, between the exhaustive search for food and medicine, holding off the gangs of Hargonla, and even investigating murder. He and his best friend Darynn Mark are desperate for a solution, something lasting, something that can save everyone. Should he fail, by the time the embargo ends, there may be no one left to save.