Haunted by the violent destruction of her family, a nomadic woman named Ki attempts to live in isolation until a blood debt to a group of vengeful Harpies forces her back into a perilous existence. Ki seeks to distance herself from her gypsy heritage and the pain of her past, but she finds herself hunted across treacherous, ice-sheathed mountain ranges. Her survival depends on navigating both the supernatural threat of the Harpies and the persistent, unwanted presence of Vandien, a man whose motives remain unclear. The narrative follows their uneasy alliance as they traverse dangerous terrain, forcing Ki to confront the reality that she cannot outrun her history or the consequences of her previous actions.

This novel serves as the debut work of an author who would later achieve significant acclaim under the name Robin Hobb. The story establishes the foundational elements of the Windsingers series, emphasizing character dynamics over expansive world-building. Readers often note the stark, gritty tone that distinguishes this early work from the author's later, more sprawling epic fantasies. The narrative focus on Ki and Vandien provides a contained, intimate look at the struggles of outcasts within a harsh, unforgiving environment. The work is regarded as a significant entry point for those interested in the evolution of the author's prose and thematic interests.