The Emberlands are being besieged by law: an army on the border, a College embargo, and a 'wardship' mission that is annexation in new dress. At Longest Night, Kael takes the name the Hall gives him - Kael Emberward - and leads his kingdom's first campaign east, to hold the Sathari passes before the Third Ward falls. But every real responsibility costs something that cannot be got back, and the passes, the border, and the crown itself will each present their bill. The Cost of a Crown is the sixth book of THE UNMEASURED.