Orphaned by a cholera epidemic, Neb and his young brother are sent to the desolate farm of their last living relative. But when the savage Horsekin tribes begin raiding the villages along Deverry's western border, the brothers must flee for their lives. A chance encounter with Salamander-a bard and master of dweomer magic-proves their salvation, as he brings them to the shelter of Tieryn Cadryc's dun. Here Neb finds love with his soulmate Branna only...

As the Horsekin continue to push their religious crusade to the borders of the kingdom, the humans of Deverry and their elven allies battle to reveal the secrets that can protect the Northlands from ultimate conquest.