In this, the third and final volume of the Earth's pendulum trilogy, we continue to follow Liannis, seer for the goddess Earth after a winter resting in semi-trance, alone in a cabin in the woods. The goddess Earth leads Merrist, previously seen only as her devoted hired man, to Liannis and calls her back to her active life. Earth, finding that Liannis still has not heeded the recurring dream of the child, chooses a more direct approach. She takes Liannis back into the time before time, to show her how the custom of seers never taking a mate came about. With the evolution of society the duties of Earth's seers must change once again. Merrist is also given the dream. Upon sharing it with Liannis they find that Earth wishes them to join (marry) and that the child shown in the dream is theirs. This is their destiny. But the people have long believed that such a union is forbidden and some oppose it, calling them false and untrustworthy. Among these is one of the candidates for lordship of Catania. Lord Gaelen, of Bargia and current ruler, makes it known that he wishes Catania to become independent again, that he wants to relinquish his control over the demesne. A struggle for power ensues, involving treason, treachery and violence. When Merrist discovers Earth has given him the gift of healing he finds himself drawn into the fray and grave danger. Lord Gaelen also wishes to return Lieth to independence. Since the years of famine are over the people are rebuilding after the great quake that destroyed Lieth City. When Lady Nairin, under asylum in Bargia after her lord husband was assassinated, declares that she wishes to set up a regency in Lieth for her son, it causes more questions. Can she be trusted? Will the people of Lieth accept the family back? Can Lord Gaelen support her request? With Merrist in Catania and Liannis in Lieth the couple find themselves facing many of these challenges alone. Earth has promised to protect them - but even she does not always know what will come. Yet these sweeping changes must take place if the world is to maintain the balance needed for peace, health and prosperity. If the people do not accept them the very existence of the goddess Earth, and of the world she protects, are in danger.