Anyar, teenage daughter of a hero of the revolution that overthrew the tyrannical Sutanites ruling the land of Ean, finds herself with the responsibility of her world on her shoulders. She has been content to enjoy her youth with Vor, her animal companion, and grow up in a peaceful land. But fate is against her. Jakus, a power-hungry former ruler of Ean is determined to reclaim that country along with neighbouring Rolan, and to destroy any who oppose him. He has no qualms in crushing Anyar and her compatriots using his scent weapons, heightened to an unheard-of degree. The draw of a crystal found in Rolan that will increase his powers even further is irresistible. All that stands in his way is Anyar and a cohort of women using a mysterious shadow scent-and a malevolent parasite deep in his brain that has its own agenda. Friendships, love and betrayal interact as Jakus' mighty war machine spreads its shadow over the world. Will the scent magic wielded by Anyar and her allies be enough in the final conflict with Jakus? Will Ean, Rolan and ultimately Sutan be free of tyranny? Will the victor survive unscathed?