When Rallis's country, Adesa, is invaded by the technologically-advanced sky nation of Jev, all he wants is to keep his head down, avoid attention, and survive. That would be easier if Rallis wasn't half-Jevite, and his cousin weren't muttering about rebellion.Then Rallis is approached by Amun, a soldier in the Jevite legion, who is seeking an opponent in the game kha. Though Rallis would prefer not to be anywhere near him, he reluctantly agrees—and discovers Amun to be friendly, kind, and intelligent. As they continue to play khas, the two grow steadily closer, and Rallis finds his allegiances torn.Then his cousin is arrested for resistance, and Rallis's world completely falls apart.