Once, the planet Retha was peaceful. All of the various clans were held together by Fireheart of the Clan Phoenix in the Full Cirkle. When Fireheart fell, so did the fragile peace erode, and now, 400 years later, brutal warfare between the clans threatens all that is. Ashen is the daughter of the current leader of the Clan Phoenix, a lone child after the deaths of her brothers, and now she is experiencing visions and seeks to rebuild that peaceful world. Brak of the Clan Rhino hopes to protect her, but thinks that her dreams are futile. On the day of Ashen's coming of age ceremony, the Clan Sabre launches a savage attack, and the Clan Rhino races to the rescue.