Captain Will Laurence sealed his destiny when he intercepted a French frigate and its precious cargo-an unhatched egg that would give birth to the noble dragon he named Temeraire. Now China has discovered that its rare gift has fallen into British hands and vows to reclaim the remarkable beast, but Laurence refuses to cooperate. Facing the gallows for his defiance, he has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East. The long voyage, fraught with peril and intrigue, will only strengthen the magical bond between them.