The World River carries many secrets. And it is a place where the truth can kill. Come to the world of the River. A world distant in time and space, where the pace of life is counted by the tides of the great River -- and where swift, dark currents flow beneath a placid surface. Pamra Don is a young woman scarred by her mother's death and lured to a priesthood where truth must be hidden from the faithful. Thrasne is a young boatman who trades from town to town, free from the iron control of the Towers of the Awakeners. These two, both by accident and design, are about to discover many truths. Truths about the Thraish, a native race whose savage god has promised Pamra's people a world of willing prey. Pamra becomes the visionary leader of a great pilgrimage to the Protector of Mna. But the Thraish at last take note of Pamra Don and her crusade...and their vengeance will be swift.