Book Four in the series; The stakes are high. The fort's left flank needs securing; an armed patrol including Alyssa is sent to deal with the eastern tribes. At last a handmaiden for Lauren and Madeil, too. Rebuilding is completed after the huge battle, but many go to Otherworld. Phara and her family are missing, assumed taken into slavery. Several patrols go out, during one Brevit shows great courage but is seriously injured, her life is in the balance. A straggling party of survivors arrive at the fort and tell of a vicious tribe who have a family like Phara's. An army is assembled to bring them back, and to deal with the Babrani tribe, the Shield People, the thorn in their sides.