The Zon Sisterhood has conquered New Eartha and rules the native "barbarians" with an iron fist. And so their rule is bitterly resented; their hegemony is plagued by periodic, savage barbarian revolts. An uneasy peace now pervades the One Land, New Eartha's supercontinent. Princess Caitlin d'Orr, scion of the oldest House in the Sisterhood, is disgraced and in exile in barbarian lands. Separated from her daughter Lady Asgara, as well as her love, Greghar, she seeks only forgetfulness. The peace cannot last. As the immortal Malitha channels the Dark and finds willing adherents all over the One Land, even in the bosom of the Sisterhood. His minions invade Utrea and the wild Chekaliga tribes rise out of the Chitgar Ravines to ravage Briga and Daksin. Slowly, but inexorably, fear spreads throughout the One Land. As Malitha spreads the tentacles of the Dark, Caitlin, Greghar and Asgara are all caught up in the turmoil. All roads lead to Tirut in southern Briga, setting up a series of unexpected and decisive meetings.