In Book 1, mourning her husband Thaydon, Vodali refugee Brynn Dahl consoles their teenage daughter Finny as well as sister-in-law Pollette, who has also lost her son Roque from the lethal sickness plaguing their Yunka district. When Brynn's grandmother Mirella asserts that Thaydon is still alive, Pollette is horrified; Yunkas detest the Malap tradition of renewal.
A harrowing road trip through Jolem Territory leads Brynn and her family to northern Natagonia where they meet with Thaydon's former commander. Meanwhile in central Natagonia, a Yunka named Strivek works on a vast ranch run by Yasbek Timral and her brother Molarn. Strivek cannot recall his past, but Vodali songs are in his repertoire.