A tribal people called the Pala Vaia, "First and Lost Ones," have lived in Lassar since ancient times, coexisting peacefully with the Lasska people.

But the Pala Vaia have always been wanderers, seemingly out of place wherever they are...

And the Lassar's fanatical new ruler, Impera Shurik, wants to destroy the tribes.

Sixteen-year-old Khari, a Vaia Lamp-Carrier, must use all her dreams and their interpretations to save her people from extinction.

Khari's dreams lead her and a small group of Vaia out of their native country into neighboring Namora, where they must find allies, in particular a Namoran priest with an extraordinary mental gift of his own.

The Vaia's search for a safe homeland will change the lives of all the people it touches, as well as the future of two nations?if it's not too late.