Shale Flint has skills needed in a world in which water is worth more than gold, yet can't control his own destiny. Circumstances force him to continue helping the devious rainlord, Taquar Sardonyx, to create rain -- even though Taquar is using his control of water to further his own lust for power ...
Terelle has been forced to leave the Scarpen with her great-grandfather, Russet; his painting of her future has trapped her into doing his will. Russet will not give up until he has regained his status as a Watergiver lord in his homeland -- but Terelle is determined to resist, no matter what the price.
Meanwhile, Ryka Feldspar has been captured and taken as a concubine by a Reduner tribemaster. She discovers her rainlord husband, Kaneth, in the slave lines, but he has no memories of their time together. She is desperate to flee -- but how can she leave him to his fate?
