FOR ALMOST TEN THOUSAND YEARS THE KHILIOI HAVE LIVED IN THEIR CITY BENEATH THE REMOTE AUSTRALIAN DESERT, UNDISTURBED AND UNKNOWN. 

But every hundred years or so they have a need. The Khilioi's energy machine brings a small aircraft within their control, causing it to land in the wilderness above. The Deka, the lords of the Khilioi, take the pilot and his girlfriend to their city, a city they will never be allowed to leave, not even after their purpose has been served – to provide new bloodlines for the Khilioi. Their time is finite. There is a limit to their usefulness. But how can they escape? The Deka can read minds. They hear every thought as it evolves. Richard thinks he has found a way, but if he fails the Deka will show no mercy. They will be kept alive, but as Helots, no longer having minds of their own. Richard is willing to take the chance, but then greed raises its head and complicates his plan. Can he steal the golden Scroll of the Ancestors? Can he carry off some of the Khilioi's brilliant blue Kimberley diamonds?

Another thriller from the prize-winning author of The Crying Stones.