The final book in the Adalta trilogy by award-winning author Sherrill Nilson. Young Guardian Daryl Me'Vere is the leader of Restal Quadrant at war against an ancient alien--and his brother. A fierce fighter and a brilliant strategist, others have confidence in him that he doesn't. He cannot, will not believe his brother-the last of his family-is willingly in league with the alien creature that seeks to destroy, not just his quadrant, but the entire planet of Adalta. Daryl cannot give up his hope that his brother is a victim he will be able to rescue. Cedar Evans is Director of Bio-Systems on the failing, falling space ship above the planet which discovered the lost colony from a devastated earth. When she arrives on planet, she is overcome by the magic of Adalta and her unique 'talent.' Which seems to be throwing up at the strange smells that she knows are emotions only she can identify-and manipulate. Can she learn to use this rare talent to help Daryl in his fight to save the planet and his brother? Will the combined forces of the humans on the planet and the fierce, hawk-headed flying horses called Karda win this battle with the alien Itza Larrak and its vicious half-mechanical creatures? Will they be in time to stop it from constructing its planet-wide antenna to contact others of its kind-parasitic beings who will destroy Adalta.