Dassa's landing craft crashes on Gannah 10,000 kilometers from the settlement just as a blizzard sets in. Injured, she takes refuge from the storm in Ruwach Gorge. In the ancient Gannahan language, ruwach means both "wind" and "spirit," and Dassa's not sure which meaning applies. Seeking food and shelter, she seems supernaturally led to an older-than-old stronghold she recognizes from ancient legends-stories she's been taught were myths. As she explores, she uncovers indisputable evidence that many things she thought she knew are in error. At the settlement, her husband, Pik, must not only try to find her, but he also must take charge in her absence. Rebellious settlers and a wayward daughter make it difficult enough. But when the animals threaten to break the ancient treaty and resume the old Wildlife Wars, Pik's hard-pressed to hold things together. He's afraid that if he ever manages to find Dassa, she'll have no home to return to. Alone in the mysterious canyon where reality and fairytale are flipped, Dassa wonders the same thing. Though separated, she and Pik learn together whom to trust and what leads to death.