The old gods are angry. They have watched over Travellers for long ages, but their people are increasingly moving to new territories - territories the old gods of river, lake and fire cannot reach. And Traveller blood has weakened and mixed with those who favour other beliefs, honouring powerful local spirits and worshipping at black rock altars. Ash and his sister Ember share this mixed blood, but have inherited the power to speak to the old ones. As such they are poised between two increasingly divided worlds, trapped between powers that could devastate the domains if unleashed. Ash and Ember must ensure this never happens. But the gods are ancient and unyielding.