On the planet Naphar, orphans became slaves..or sacrifices. The Scribe: The old man, intoxicated, told Senruh of a world outside the walle dcity, far from the Avenue of Precious Delights. The Lady: Scented, swathed in spider silk, she taught Senruh forbidden pleasures and promised him a glorious future. The Captive: Golden-curled, snatched from his highland tribe, he would be sold into slavery or to the priest-butchers who chose the "donors" to feed the people of Naphar.

Planet of cataclysm and chaos, Naphar is a fantastic world of Night Demons, exploding trees, screaming plants and living gems. Where three races, all products of genetic engineering-the gigantic Rabu, the manikin Kakano and the unseen Beloved-battle out their destinies in fear and trembling. But once every century Naphar crosses the path of the Dark One. Moons dance in their paths, the land shatters, mountains tumble...and a journey that begins as a lowly bondgirl's quest can change the fate of empires...

The Dark Time had returned to Naphar: As the black moon held its chaotic sway in the Heavens, the land trembled and the evil priest Salimar called forth his legions and launched a savage plot to seize the planet and proclaim himself god. All he needed was the fabled Mindstone. But the coveted key to power lay in the unlikely hands of three fugitives: the tender and towering Cassia...her mannequinlike master, Jarell...and the tiny troublemaker, Tadge. Bound by love, broken betrayal, they know that the painful secrets of their past might be the only hope for the future....