Roland and Susan Delgado have lied together, damaging the bonds of his ka-tet. Alain suspects that Roland's feelings for Susan have compromised his judgement in their mission. Little does he know how crucial the timing is, as the Big Coffin Hunters have learned that the trio are Gunslingers in disguise. The Gunslingers have learned that oil is being taken from the fields near Meijis to power the old-world machines in John Farson's keeping. And if Farson should get those machines to work, he could slaughter ten thousand Affiliation horsemen winning not just a battle... but the entire war in a single engagement.