In a fantasy story by the creator of the famous “Barrayar” cycle, peace and order reign again in Chalione thanks to the efforts of the ruling couple, Bergon and Yselle. The gods grant their mercy to all inhabitants of this ancient land, except the widowed queen Ysta. Burdened by dark memories, she seeks to avoid the control of her guardians by planning a pilgrimage to sacred places, hoping for spiritual comfort—or at least relief from her gloom. But the gods intend to remind her of the past and even give her a chance to find a new path in life—and perhaps to find the love she has long stopped believing in. To do so, she must face enemy forces and defeat dark sorcery that left even the bravest men powerless.