Raised a warrior in the harsh winter country, Ryo inGara has always been willing to die for his family and his tribe. When war erupts against the summer country, the prospect of death in battle seems imminent. But when his warleader leaves Ryo as a sacrifice—a tuyo—to die at the hands of their enemies, he faces a fate he never imagined.

For generations, the Ugaro of the winter country have traded peacefully with the Lau of the summer lands. But now a fatal mistake has created bitterness and hatred on both sides of the river, threatening to destroy a peace that has become tenuous. Nikoles Ianan realizes, too late, that he should have prevented his own people’s unforgivable trespass - he should at least have tried.

A year and a half ago, Ryo and Aras defeated their enemy, ending the conflict between the winter country and the summer lands. But with all his important secrets revealed in that struggle, Lord Aras now faces a new challenge in dealing with his own countrymen.

Esau Karuma never expected to marry—he's really not the type. But when he hears about a girl who's got to get married immediately or else she'll be crushed under a whole mountain of trouble, Esau doesn’t hesitate to volunteer. He’ll whisk her out of the way of disaster, marry her real quick, get her settled someplace she’ll be comfortable, and that will be that. No reason in the world either of them should be too much of a nuisance to the other. Given his whole life so far, he should have known that plan might be a little too optimistic....

Following the great battle in the winter country, a handful of surviving Lau, too badly wounded to travel, were left to the care of Ugaro tribesmen. Surgeon Dedicat Suelen Haras Soyauta, personal physician to the king of the summer country, can't bear the thought that injured Lau soldiers have been abandoned in the winter country, subject to who knows what barbaric medical practices, perhaps even neglect or outright abuse.

Born to the inTasiyo, bitter enemies of the inGara, Tano is trying hard to behave perfectly and win acceptance among his new people. But he fears that any misstep might mean the lord of the inGara casts him out. Tano could lose more than his place with his new tribe: he could lose Ryo’s good opinion and encouragement, his tentative new friendships, his younger brother—everything that matters to him. He would rather die.

It's a long way from the northern mountains back to the summer lands -- and all the challenges Aras left behind are waiting. Worse, no matter how Aras handles those problems, the summer king's judgment of his actions is certain to be harsh. Released from every vow he ever swore to Aras, Ryo could remain among his own people. But he can't abandon Aras to confront his king alone -- especially as the struggle they endured in the land of the shades still haunts them both. But, as they journey south, Ryo realizes that Aras may be losing control of his sorcery.

Sinowa inGara cherished his first wife. But now, with his people heading for trouble, he needs the high standing he would gain from marrying again. The best choice would be a singer -- preferably an inKarano singer. Only one inKarano singer is unmarried: Marag inKarano. For ten winters, Marag has turned aside every warrior and every poet who has approached her. She knows she will become one of the foremost singers of all the tribes. She knows whomever she marries will gain great standing through that marriage.

Rihasi Gerogevet of Saraicana has a problem. She knows just who can help her solve it: Lord Aras Eren Samaura, the king’s most powerful scepter-holder. But Lord Aras is in Gaur, a long journey from Saraicana, and getting there safely isn’t going to be easy. Especially as a lot of people are determined to make sure she doesn’t get there at all. Kior Voeret has a secret.

For a year, Tano has known his people would need to return to the starlit country—and that his friend Raga would be among those who crossed the mountains into that lovely and mysterious land. Where Raga goes, Tano will certainly go as well. He looks forward to the journey—mostly. He's almost certain every Ugaro who accompanies the expedition can be trusted, and he's almost certain the Lau who come along won't cause too much trouble. Most of all, Tano knows the gentle people of the starlit land offer no threat at all. Everyone knows the Tarashana are harmless ...

A crown forged piece by piece, moment by moment. Prince Sekaran is nine years old when he meets his cousin Aras for the first time. Twenty when Aras is given a scepter. Thirty-five when he becomes heir and discovers the truth about his cousin … A novel-length series of linked stories and vignettes, each revealing the moments that define Sekaran’s life: first encounters, unexpected revelations, and the ties of blood, friendship, and loyalty that bind him to his cousin, his broader family, and the summer country itself.