Shaeli is apprenticed to Flin, master thrower, learning to wield her magic in the city of Palveron where the shadow of Great Court and the queen looms over everything and everyone. Throughout the Land, the fist of the queen's guard is tightening on the people, who begin to fight back against the tyranny. When Shaeli is targeted and her mind invaded, she must undertake a journey of great importance. She and her companions - her brother, Tarkoda, her friend, Kirrit, Flin, and the elf, Williver, among them - are sought by the guard at every turn, and they face a harrowing journey to the safety of Cave. They pass through places unseen by any of the People and face many dangers on the long and perilous road. Her magic is tested time and again, and those of every race come to her aid. Yet will Cave and the Fleet really be the sanctuary she imagines?