For hundreds of years the Guardians have ruled the world of the Hundred, but these powerful gods no longer exert their will on the world. Only the reeves, patrolling on enormous eagles, still represent the Guardians' power. And the reeves are losing their authority; for there is a dark shadow across the land that not even they can stop. A group of fanatics has risen to devour villages, towns, and cities in their drive to annihilate all who oppose them. No one knows who leads them; they seem inhumanly cruel and powerful. Mai and Anji ride with a company of dedicated warriors and a single reeve, who may hold a key to stopping the deadly advance of the devouring horde. They must try to turn back the dark tide, or the world will be lost. But a young woman sworn to the Goddess may prove more important than them all ...if they are not too late. A haunting tale of individuals swept up by the chaos of war, this is fantasy adventure at its best - rich in texture, filled with colour and excitement.