King Fingar of Norkath is planning a brutal war of conquest against neighboring Karolan, allegedly justified by a mysterious betrayal decades old. Karolan has a history full of heroism, but dread weighs heavily on her people now. Aging King Thomas has no heir. Karolan may face Fingar's onslaught without an effective leader. In beautiful Glen Carrah in Karolan, Jonathan the blacksmith and the shepherdess Naomi exchange pledges of undying love. Confident in his strength and skill, Jonathan tells Naomi that he will find and rescue her, no matter what, if war separates them. The separation comes unexpectedly soon, when young Sir Ilohan asks Jonathan's company on a journey commanded by the king. Is Ilohan's mission what it seems, an irrelevant footnote to the gathering storm of war? Why do deadly foes dog his footsteps almost from the beginning? Can Jonathan and Ilohan escape their enemies and finish the king's quest? Will Karolan -- and Naomi -- weather the storm? - Back cover.