Felindra, the Whisperer, and her companions have escaped from slavery in the kingdom of Basrind. Now they must find a way to return to their homeland, Albasiny, almost hallway around the world. Unable to find a suitable passage from a nearby port, they are forced to try a port on the north coast of the continent, a long journey, filled with hazards. Winter is coming and, once they leave the southeastern desert, much of their journey is through mountainous terrain. Their friend, Tirzah Lin, a powerful wizard and, like them, a former slave, offers to lead them to his homeland, Eleria, and thence to a port on the north coast. The journey would have been enjoyable—the ever-changing landscape, the different peoples and cultures, fascinating animals—but even their magic powers can't prevent them from running into dangerous situations, and life-threatening incidents along the way.