Jace and Willa Tully are twins living in the kingdom of Mathelgroth, in the continent of Caena Ancalen, where the people are equally as harsh and cold as the weather. They make their living stealing from strangers, and selling the pilfered goods at markets. When they are caught, and sent to the army as punishment to serve in the brewing war, they cross paths with Alanis Cort, a sullen commander, also serving out a sentence. As the war spreads, and battles become more frequent, the twin sisters and their dour friend begin to worry if they will all survive.