Synopsis: With the Sholan homeworld about to bear witness to the birth of a new hybridized race with powers beyond the control of any of the Guilds, the current unstable political climate may soon explode into something far more violent. Approached by the Telepaths, the Warriors, and the secret organization known as the Brotherhood, Kusac realizes that he and Carrie have no choice but to strike out on their own, forming a new group outside of all the Clans and Guilds, and owing loyalty only to the most ancient of their gods. For only through exploring the Sholans' long-buried and purposely forgotten past, can they hope to find the answers they seek - and the path to survival not only for their own new people, but for the Sholans and humans as well. (adapted from the back cover of the first edition)