Many of Earth's people have already been evacuated, but to save those who remain another world is desperately needed. Earth's laws require that the local ruling system approve the evacuation. But on Enseha the Hierarchy has been illegally instituted by Earth people, and patriarchal laws still prevail among the natives . . . well, most of them. Duncan MacEnzie, Lord of the South Land, against all laws and traditions, has trained his daughter, Belinda, as a warrior and raised her to rule. No one expects the Hierarchy to sanction the union between Belinda and Stuart, son of Enseha's most powerful lord, but when it is approved, Stuart must obey his father's orders and reluctantly weds Belinda. Stuart soon discovers that there is much more to his bride than anyone has told him. He gradually becomes aware of a scheme beyond his wildest imagination -- one that will benefit Enseha and offer refuge for the Earth's people -- that is, if nothing goes wrong . . .