Tergal, a lad from the legions, is the only survivor when his troop is set upon by Darklander villagers. Rescued from death by Ambial - a girl of a mysterious race called Vaerlings - he finds his destiny, his life and his love inextricably tangled with his rescuers. There is a purpose for his survival. But who decides this purpose, who decides this fate? Is it one or all of the five fates? Is it the mysterious stranger? Is it the woman he loves? Or is there something more sinister, and his survival a temporary reprieve?