Troubled young Fawn Bluefield seeks a life beyond her familys farm. But en route to the city, she encounters a patrol of Lakewalkers, nomadic soldiersorcerers from the northern woodlands. Feared necromancers armed with mysterious knives made of human bone, they wage a secret, ongoing war against the scourge of the "malices," immortal entities that draw the life out of their victims, enslaving human and animal alike.It is Daga Lakewalker patroller weighed down by past sorrows and onerous present responsibilitieswho must come to Fawns aid when she is taken captive by a malice. They prevail at a devastating costunexpectedly binding their fates as they embark upon a remarkable journey into danger and delight, prejudice and partnership . . . and perhaps even love.