And it’s also the story of Maelys, a young woman whose old, proud family has been crushed by Jal-Nish, because of their rebellious attitude and because they had minor magical talents. Her little sister, mother and aunts have only survived because of her little sister’s ability to fool Jal-Nish’s wisp-watchers and loop-listeners, devices linked to the tears which spy on people in every village and every street because he doesn’t trust anyone, not even his most faithful retainers. Maelys’ conniving aunts, however, are determined to restore their family to its ancient position, and hit upon a plan to send Maelys and her little sister to rescue Nish, spirit him away, and then for Maelys to seduce him to bind him forever to their family. The objective is for Nish to lead the resistance which has grown up in his and Irisis’s name and overthrow his father.

 Unfortunately Maelys is a shy, bookish dreamer, not a bold adventurer, and she’s horrified and terrified at the thought of doing this. Besides, she knows that no one can overthrow Jal-Nish, who holds all the power in the world. But her mother and aunts are determined and she has no choice. Maelys has to do this to save her family …'