The events in this story take place beside the War of the Rings and in its aftermath. Millenia ago the handmaiden Ilmarë brought a gift to the world of men and foretold of its heiress. And of great need among all races after the darkest of times. Shipwrecked on a small island, Éomer vows protection for a stranger. Neither speaks the other's language. When a dark army invades, they flee to the safety of his principality in Aldburg. But enemies hunt them. Unraveling why sends them on a journey to the southlands, to Gondor, to Elven domains, and to the ravaged northern country.