Book I of 'The Bitterbynde' Trilogy.
The lordly Stormriders land their winged stallions on the airy battlements of Isse Tower, while in the fortress's depths the superstitious servants sit by the hearth and tell ghastly tales of a world most of them have only glimpsed. Yet it is the least of the lowly - a mute, scarred and utterly despised foundling - who dares to scale the Tower, sneak aboard a Windship, and then dive from the sky.
This is the beginning of a journey through a wilderness of endless danger - for the hearthside tales are true. Yet along the way the fugitive acquires a name, the ability to communicate by handspeak, and an amazing truth no one had ever guessed.
As the journey grows longer and the challenges more deadly, the newly named "Imrhien" is saved by a mysterious Dainnan ranger whose gallantry and courage are matched only by his martial skills. But, unknown to them both, a deadly plot is unfolding as a dark force summons the malignant hordes of Unseelie, and foul things amass in the night.
