Thus begins the second novel in Marion Zimmer Bradley and Deborah J. Ross' monumental Clingfire trilogy - the epic story of a cataclysmic time in the history of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover. The era of the Hundred Kingdoms was a time when power-hungry petty monarchs abounded on this frigid and magical world - a time of uncontrolled war and lawless disregard for all but the most imperialistic of political aims. a legendary friendship is forged between king and keeper which will lead to a new destiny for Darkover.