Memer is a child of rape; when the Alds took the beautiful city of Ansul, they descecrated or destroyed everything of beauty. The Waylord they imprisoned and tortured for years until finally he is freed to return to his home. Though crippled, he is not destroyed. His life still has purpose. Memer is the daughter of his House, the daughter of his heart. The Alds, a people who love war, cannot and will not read: they believe that in words lie demons that will destroy the world. All the citys libraries, the great treasure trove of knowledge of ages past, are burned, except for those few volumes secreted inthe Waylords hidden room. But times are changing. Gry Barre of Roddmant and Orrec Caspro of Caspromant have arrived in the city. Orrec is a story-teller, the most famous of all: he has the gift of making. His wife Grys gift is that of calling; she walks with a halflion who both frightens and fascinates the Alds. This is Memers story, and Grys and Orrecs, and it is the story of a conquered people craving freedom.