Ever since he murdered his brother and seized power, Grand Marl Thorlberd has ruled Golmeira with an iron grip. Only a small band of rebels dare to oppose him. His niece, Zastra, forced into hiding in the remote Border Mountains, has been raising her young brother safely away from their uncle's reach, but when Thorlberd moves to conquer the neighbouring land of Sendor, their quiet refuge is soon crawling with savage Kyrginite soldiers and inquisitive mindweavers. Zastra must act quickly to keep her brother safe.