Two hundred and fifty years ago, humans defeated the shape-changing
Bhahdradomen in the War of the Silver Plains. Although they are
exiled--or even thought to be extinct--the shape-changers' hatred and
jealousy of the humans live on. Now, in the failings of a human king,
they find a way to assuage that hatred. Meanwhile the third race, the
mysterious Aelyr, although they also consider the Bhahdradomen enemies,
keep apart from human realms.
Tanthe and Ysomir are sisters, living in the village of Riverwynde,
2,000 miles from the capital city Parione. While Ysomir is in love with
Lynden, son of the village leader, Tanthe is bored with rural life and
longs for the wonders of Parione. But the growing madness of King
Garnelys and the Bhahdradomen's wiles soon lead to terrible events, the
abduction of Ysomir, and the beginning of a long journey for Tanthe,
Lynden, and his brother Rufryd, as they set out for the Amber Citadel of
Parione....