Fifteen years have passed since Prince Darien was crowned in Ripa. Rhuta is at peace and the new king is slowly repairing the damage wrought to his capital and his people by the mad emperor Temes. A young prince is growing up and forging bonds of friendship but all is not well in their world for militaristic ambitions are stirring once again in Appella. The attacks sow distrust amongst former allies, and a warning from the Goddess sees Marric sending a man on a perilous journey into the the unknown Seas-of-Grass to form a connection, if he can survive the original contact, with the wild clansmen of the plains. Even Marric is uncertain of the outcome, but his life has been one of obedience to the Great Mother, and when called upon to journey into the Grass himself he goes, only to find treachery and a divided kingdom torn between the old ways that have made the clansmen what they are and a brutal king's desire to replace existing traditions with his own version of a patriarchal society. With the peace of three nations and his twin's life at risk Darien must act with speed and care to save his kingdom and the lives of those he treasures most.