On the island-continent of Vjarlden three cultures struggle for dominance. For centuries, the indigenous Ceridwani have protected themselves and their lands through isolation and 'magic'. Now, jealousy and racism threaten to destroy all, as the Northern Alsatians attempt to destroy their Acadian cousins to the South, and the Ceridwani 'witch people' East of the Magan River.

The fate of these island nations is in the hands of a few, some untested.

Aryal, scarred physically and emotionally from her mother's murder is second in line for the Acadian throne. But she just wants to be left alone to train horses. Some hard lessons await her as she grows up on the run.

Bjorn is the heir to the Alsatian throne, in hiding from his own father the King, who has plotted to have Bjorn assassinated in order to start a war.

Airmyth, a renegade Ceridwani, dispenses healing from an isolated island. She has no choice but to be drawn into this internecine conflict.

Drafdritir vanished from his training as a Shaman and was thought to be dead. Now, he seeks only to inflict misery throughout his world for no other reason than he can.

Kings, Queens, Gods, Priests, and the peoples they control face a fight for survival and justice.