Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine - that is until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq. They've been kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. When a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid also drop out of sight, Royce begins to suspect that the disappearances could be linked. Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy - from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?