In the depths of an ancient temple a child is born beneath the auspice of a cosmic phenomenon. Within a gleaming city set between sea and sand the fate of two nations - one civil and one savage - rests upon the back of the city's young princess, Karmagant Ak'an. Her destiny tied to that of her protector, Suzurain Ashaeru, a young man as unprepared for what lies ahead as she, the two stand together in the face of a wild land of inhospitable extremes, unpredictable gods and demons, and most threatening: the divided people demanding fealty and guidance from them both.--Publisher.