Ill-chance brought young Fawn Bluefield together with Dag RedwingHickory, the seasoned soldier-sorcerer, but it was love and loyalty thatjoined their fates. While their unorthodox marriage has been grudginglyaccepted by the clever farm girl's people, Dag's Lakewalker kin are lesstolerant, greeting their union with derision, suspicion, and prejudice.The specter of permanent exile looms above the couple—until a finaldecision on their lot is diverted by a sudden, viciously magical maliceattack on a neighboring hinterland. Sworn to duty, Dag must answer thecall, leaving his new bride behind. But what awaits him and his patrolcould have serious and unimagined consequences for farmers and Lakewalkersalike, forever altering the lovers, their families, and their world.