In the fifth novel of the series, "Sunset on Sparta", the Messenians are established in Naupaktos, out of the reach of their former Spartan masters. But with renewal of war with Sparta likely, the Messenians receive an alarming prophecy from the Delphic Oracle. Tormented by a recurring dream, the stakes are high as Melantha and her adoptive sister Elissa struggle with the fidelity of their husbands. Melantha's misfit daughter Kallia tries to find a place for herself in the world, while Melantha's second daughter Lena has an intractable relationship problem with her lover Harmonia. The safety of the whole family is placed at risk when they acquire two Sarmatian slaves, Darya and Bornon who will stop at nothing to win their freedom.