The great Empire of the Targhono people is falling. Teron of Balakor, the son of one of their most powerful nobles, has been exiled because of his faith in the Northstar. He now lives in a distant wilderness town called the Firdale, where he is an object of scorn due to his bloodline. However, he has developed strong bonds with Adya, a pale-skinned Northwoman, and Illendar, an elven warrior of the Star kindred. While an invading army threatens to destroy the town, a mysterious Shadow begins murdering followers of the Northstar. An assassin soon slays the Firdale's noble lord, and Teron takes command of the town's warriors. But after the town falls and its helpless inhabitants are slaughtered, Teron questions whether the Northstar truly cares about the innocent, or about him. In despair, he is driven back home to his hostile family. Torn with conflicting emotions, Teron comes to blame the Northstar for his fate. The sinister Shadow still pursues him and his friends, and despite Teron's best efforts to guard his loved ones, his strength fails him. As rival forces clash, Teron must finally call upon the power of the Northstar before the night swallows all he holds dear ..."