An alien species is removing human colonies from planets, but to where, no one knows. Sojourn, along with the Emperor's daughter and their crew, must find this unknown species and negotiate a treaty before the Empire's army declares war on all non-human races.

Those who do not follow the Path of Light would prefer to kill all the non-human sentient beings before they are even aware that they are under attack.

 Matters turn bleak for the Path of Light before their journey even begins. While provisioning on Terranue, Sojourn's ship gets a hole blown in its side by Xenophobes.