Watchtower

Tornor Keep stands on the northernmost border of the land, one of a number of keeps built to defend the southern lands against the incursion from the northern Kingdom of Anhard. But Tornor has fallen in pitched battle to Col Istor, and young Errel, Lord of the Keep, is in peril of his life. To save Errel's life, Ryke, formerly captain of the guard, agrees to serve Tornor's conqueror.

Come spring, Col Istor plans to lead his murderous band of brigands against the other northern Keeps, a move that will establish the beginnings of his empire.

While winter holds Tornor in its icy grip, two mysterious women arrive seeking Errel and Ryke. With their aid, the men escape from the keep and head south. Sorren and Norres lead them to Vanima, Van's Valley.

There they meet Van, leader of a band of "chearis," dancing warriors and students of the martial arts. Errel and Ryke enter his tutelage and he teaches them of a new life and a new society for both the southern and northern lands.

Spring comes, and with it word that Col Istor is beginning his operations in the north. Ryke and Errel must return to Tornor to fight, and Van joins them with a group of his philosopher/warriors. Together they do battle in a land that has already begun to change around them.