Sammual Aybarra and Laura Bainridge are killed when Clack's people raid. A terrible mistake because Aybarra's camp is sacred due to the Ferbog. Penance must be paid...the killer's entire tribe must leave the war after the murderer is killed. Delmac joins a war party two thousand strong, guided by a young girl who claims she saw enemy troops only three days march away. Riding runabouts for speed, Delmac leads with the young lass sitting behind him. After a long, careful ride, they are led into an ambush by the young woman (Lioth). Almost all the two thousand are killed. Lioth takes Delmac prisoner, saying her honor depends on him learning to trust her. She is racked by guilt. Because she is now invaluable, Han Chuk reluctantly agrees. Delmac's life is saved.