The realm of Midkemia is under invasion as the Tsurani, strange invaders from an alien culture on another world, emerge from the rifts to conquer the land and seize its metals. And, while the heroes of the RIFTWAR SAGA begin to fight against these strange new foes, a young boy named Dirk finds himself the youngest slave on the Lord Paul''s estate, where the Tsurani have established a base camp and settled in for the winter. In this new role, Dirk learns very quickly to keep his mouth closed and his eyes on his feet. But will it be enough to keep him alive as he survives the strange warrior culture of the Tsurani?