Princess Vray of Rhenlan, exiled for defying her power-mad
brother Damon, returns to court to challenge his right to
the throne. Unfortunately, Damon's ambition is not the
only danger facing the Children of the Rock. The Dreamers,
who bend the power of the gods to keep otherworldly
monsters at bay, have diminished in number until only a
handful remain. With most of the ruling Shapers intent on
politics and border feuds, and the peasant Keepers wanting
only to tend their fields and raise their families in
peace, the Dreamers and the importance of their magical
gifts are being forgotten.
As the situation in the three kingdoms deteriorates, the
carter Jordy and Dael, captain of the royal guard, see no
answer but revolution. But Damon is a devious adversary,
and it begins to look as if the best efforts of Vray and
her allies will be too little, too late.