Nevare Garar, the wealthy son of one of Vania’s new noble families, is destined for greatness. Bright and well-educated, an excellent horseman with an advantageous engagement and a secured place in Vania’s cavalry, Nevare is distinguishing himself at the cavalry training academy when he falls victim to Speck disease, a mysterious illness associated with the little understood race of forest people.

Sent home from the academy, rejected by his family and fiancee, Nevare ultimately takes a position at the isolated outpost on the foothills of the Barrier Mountains, where he charged with developing trade with the Specks and protecting the settlers from attack by raiders. As he learns more about the Specks he is strangely drawn to their way of life—and to a beautiful Speck woman.