Tamrin is condemned to be burned for inadvertently witnessing a forbidden rite. Balik, her only hope of rescue, is under a death sentence by his brother, who usurped the chieftainship of their tribe by murdering their father. After Balik regains his rights they face even greater challenges. A tyrant is bent on enslaving both of their peoples, and a fanatical pagan prophet kidnaps Tamrin, believing himself commissioned by the Storm God to sacrifice her. Their infant son Taia is abducted by slavers, but returns twenty years later as the prince of a powerful kingdom. His true identity must be proved to save his life. Seven years after Taia's return, his youngest sister elopes and is consequently inducted into the harem of a cruel monarch. An attempt to rescue her would pose deadly peril to those involved, while the fate of nations hangs in the balance.