Talithia is governed by its Guardians, enormous black panther-like creatures who communicate telepathically. People in the surrounding kingdoms fear them, led by an evil queen who covets their rich land. After bitter fighting, in which Arnon, a peaceful farmer, emerges as a leader, the Talithians realize they will never have peace if they remain.With the Guardians, Arnon lead his countrymen to refuge offered by a sympathetic king. They cannot remain, for King Orontes faces his own problems. But he offers his ships to carry them to unoccupied lands far away. Now Arnon has to decide if the freedom of Talithia will be worth leaving the only home he has ever known.