First in the Trilogy.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, humans defeated the shape-changing Bhahdradomen in the War of the Silver Plains. But, although they are exiled, or thought to be extinct, the shapechangers' hatred and jealousy of the humans live on. Now, in the failings of a human king, they find a way to assuage that hatred. Meanwhile the third race, the mysterious Aelyr, keep apart from humans, whilst also considering the Bhahdradomen as enemies.
Tanthe and Ysomir are sisters, living in the village of Riverwynde, two thousand miles from the capital city, Parione. While Ysomir is in love with Lynden, son of the village's leader, Tanthe is bored with village life and wishes to leave for the wonders of Parione. But the king's growing madness and the Bhahdradomen's wiles soon lead to terrible events, the abduction of Ysomir, and the beginning of a long journey for Tanthe, Lynden and his brother Rufryd, as they set out for the Amber Citadel of Parione . . .
