This is the story of Sileria and its oppressed tribes, who have for centuries been crushed under the boot of successive conquerors. Despite their indomitable spirit - or perhaps because of it - the Silerians have spent more time fighting amongst themselves than against their oppressors, most recently the loathsome Valdani. Tansen is the prophesied warrior who will drive out the Valdani, but his path is strewn with terrible obstacles. As word of his coming spreads, he joins with the infamous thief Josarian, who becomes the leader of a cadre as strange and disparate as the tribes of Sileria themselves: an assassin who has sworn to kill him; a highborn lady who spies on the enemy from within their own palace; and a water wizard whose enormous power could prove invaluable, if he doesn't betray them first.