On the east side of the mountain range known as the Killtops, the disparate and warring Gholim tribes have been united under Oghul Khan - a leader like none seen in the region for centuries. In the Gaspari Dominion Leila, chosen of the Shadow God Betsalel, is no longer an orphan, thief, assassin. She has a happy marriage, the respect of society, and two beautiful children. But her quiet life is rent asunder when an eastern witch, devotee of the black goddess Danava, abducts her son and the Gaspari emperor's daughter in a plot to allow the khan's bloodthirsty hordes access to the rich pickings of an undefended Dominion. With Tevo by her side, she'll do whatever it takes to bring the children back.