Synopsis: When rebellion sweeps the land - From the author of The Gate of Ivory comes this thrilling new adventure of Theodora and Ran - she, a scholar from a science-ruled world; he, a sorcerer from one of the most powerful families on the planet Ivory. Drawn back to Ivory both by her love for Ran Cormallon and her fascination with a world where magic not science holds sway, Theodora willingly embarks with Sorcerer Ran on a investigation for one of the noble families of Ivory. But when their mission takes them into a province plagued by outlaws, Ran is mistaken for the leader of a dangerous band long sought by the local law officers. Pursued by government forces, Ran and Theodora run for their lives - straight into the clutches of the outlaws. Taken prisoner by Stereth and his men, Theodora and Ran find themselves - willing or not - becoming deeply involved in the troubles of the Northwest Sector, an area with a long history of rebellion. Caught between the demands of Stereth's outlaws and the wrath of the Imperial troops, can Ran and Theodora find a nonsorcerous means to survive the unsurvivable and bring peace to this troubled region? (from the back cover of the DAW Books first edition)