For generations the Ugaro of the winter country have traded peacefully with the Lau of the summer lands. But now a fatal mistake has created bitterness and hatred on both sides of the river, threatening to destroy a peace that has become tenuous. Nikoles Ianan realizes, too late, that he should have prevented his own people's unforgivable trespass - he should at least have tried. Now it seems impossible for a single Lau soldier to do anything to prevent the escalating tragedy ... until the most famous scepter-holder of the summer country arrives. Lord Aras Samaura has urgent tasks waiting elsewhere and little time to forge a new peace before bitterness turns to outright war. He'll need luck - and all the help he can get from a young Lau soldier with a unique connection to the Ugaro people and the determination to do whatever he must to atone for his mistake.