There are eight clans on the planet Jahanet. This opening installment zeroes in on four of them, all residing on Jahanet's largest domain, Icka. In the present day, three members of Clan Adeian-Draka, Yar, and Scarra-ride separately to the ruins of Lord Matoca's kazar (castle). Years ago, Matoca, in an apparent power play, initiated an attack against Clan Veloian. But when Clans Dekam and Arkarian aligned with Veloian, the Adeians lost what came to be known as the Great Battle. Though Matoca called the current meeting with Draka, Yar, and Scarra, no one has seen him since the Great Battle, and most people even assume he is dead. Draka first joined Clan Adeian as a bondservant (slave) but has since become a warrior. He has a fondness for Scarra, a woman who's always shown him kindness, but abhors Yar, who calls him half-breed.