From the time she was a small child, Amay has been interested in learning the ancient secrets, rituals and healing rites known as the Old Ways. Because of her bloodline, Amay is a candidate to become the leader of the Old Ways, the Charisa. Amay's suitor, the older, powerful Robin, has strong connections with the Church, making him influential and prosperous. Ixion is a respected practitioner of the Old Ways and is descended from the magical Lumenine race. If Amay marries Robin, her life would be easy and filled with material riches, but Ixion is the true love of her life. However, choosing either man would mean she would forfeit her chance to become the Charisa, who is forbidden to marry. To further complicate Amay's life, Kelle, who is jealous of Amay's destiny and spurred on by her evil mother, makes several attempts to destroy Amay and stop her training in the sacred teachings. When the Old Ways are threatened to be annihilated to make room for the new Christian traditions, Amay is forced to make tough choices -- choices which may mean the difference between the survival and the end of the Old Ways.