Lucius Dessida, the only son of Rhianwyn, has lived among the Gaians for nine years in a bid to maintain the Caledon’s peace, though his dual heritage means life in Tamora is more complex than he had thought. But Lucius’ city worries will soon be put into harsh perspective. Prosperity breeds envy, and easy times breed complacency, and the rich lands of the Caledon offer a ripe target to those who simply take what they want. Winds of war blow from the north, and Merian of the Gorvicae will be first to feel their chill. The brutal Sarracs have attacked without warning, and Taliesyn seems content to leave the frontier to its own defences. With the Wildcat far away and her own chieftain unwilling to help, Merian may be forced to look elsewhere for aid…