In this gripping science-fiction novella: Amur grew up among the Nosi, a matriarchal society where decisions are enforced through violence, until he was chosen by Dorone and taken to live among the elderim, beings of immense power. Stripped of family, increasingly at odds with his own drug-altered body and mind, Amur now lives by the sea, where he hones his fighting skills and contemplates revenge against his former lover. He enlists the aid of a magical hound, hoping to pit her against his enemy. But loyalties will be tested before Amur can face Dorone once more.