The ancient village of Drumlin is one of peace and wisdom. The people have not known bloodshed in ages, so when The Always sends a prophecy of division and discord through a wise old woman, no one can believe it. Is it possible a war could start among them? After all, the closest outside settlement is Barchan Mountain, and the people of Drumlin have not been in contact with them for generations. Tephra is a young shepherdess who lives in Drumlin Hills. Graceful and beautiful, she is considered a favorite of The Always. She dances and sings in the village ceremonies, and even calms the flock with her singing. One day, she must traverse a treacherous mountain trail to save a lost lamb. The trail takes her close to Barchan Mountain-and suddenly the events of the prophecy are set in motion. As the peace of her village begins to unravel, Tephra must make some difficult choices-ones that could challenge the way they have lived for centuries.