The nomadic race of Ribillions were dying slowly - it was very clear. They had battled constantly, webs of alliances shifting as a result of a divided society as they struggled to survive their harsh existence. Farid-Saal dreamt of uniting his people into one nation and had spent many years trying to rally support for a war which would symbolize courage and hope for his people and end a bitterness that has lasted decades.

A child who is hunted in the desolate mountains of the Drylands for his Royal blood would be the catalyst for the war. But the King's nephew is not alone. He travels with his mixed-blood friend and five other children. They are hunted through the mountains, driven to the summit where they await their fate.

Their only hope, two fathers. One a grizzled sword master, full of anger and hatred for the Ribillions and the other a man a former warrior persecuted by his past and haunted by responsibility. But he is no ordinary man, for he is Balik, the Sword of Krillia.