A group of young Aventari set out to do their Service on distant Bendevan, an alien yet peaceful culture where they are assured of a welcome. But underneath the peaceable veneer of the planet a dark current bubbles, and the Aventari must face difficult choices. Can the shadow be lifted from Bendevan? Will they ever see their homeland again? In Part Two the young Kess is forced to grow up quickly amidst unimaginable horrors when his life hangs in the balance.