The novel begins on a Family estate at Kethiuy on Cerdin, where the Sul sept of the Meth-maren House is attacked by the rival Ruil sept, with the help of Red and Gold Majats. The Ruil sept is seeking to wrest control of the Blue Majat from the Sul sept. A young Raen a Sul hant Meth-maren is the only survivor, and she seeks refuge in the nearby Blue Majat Hive.
The novel commences on a Family estate at Kethiuy on Cerdin, where the Sul clan of the Meth-maren House is assaulted by the rival Ruil clan, aided by Red and Gold Majats. The Ruil clan is attempting to seize control of the Blue Majat from the Sul clan. A young Raen, a Sul hant Meth-maren, is the sole survivor, and she flees to the nearby Blue Majat Hive.