In a small town near the Pass, where Losa’s children live, a high-born alva family experienced the bloody war with dogs relatively calmly. But after the declaration of peace, their home is awarded to them as a reward for military service—along with a sand dog, Raitdo of the Soft Tin line, who is slowly dying from a rupture-flower. By that time, only Iyle, the young woman-alva, and her infant remain alive in the house. The girl’s father had been a royal jeweler. And someone is sure he managed to hide priceless treasures in the house… But Raitdo has no interest in stone-hunters. He is desperately trying to survive. And at the same time to understand what—or who—maimed the soul of the unfortunate Iyle, who has lost her faith in goodness and love…