Gods, war and prophecy cast their shadow over the land... Driven from home by a depraved duke, Aldera escapes to her mother's kin. She's horrified by their strange ways, but soon embraces their sisterhood and the power of their goddess. Until chaos erupts. When the duke attacks the king and usurps the throne, Aldera acts. The true king, wounded but still alive, needs help. And she gives it. By her arts she hides him from the men charged with hunting him. But they are relentless. And one of them knows her better than all others. Aldera might be able to save the kingdom. If she outwits the hunters. But she learns far more is at stake than just trying to restore the rightful king to the throne. The summer god must be found. Or there will be no balance between forces that could destroy the world...