In a parched region, the Yadu have conquered the desirable fertile land of their Xarappan neighbors. The powerless Xarappans are exiled, kept out by a sorcerer's fence. Their only weapons are primitive and useless, but they do have one crucial asset: jerboas--creatures who can read minds and advise the Xarappans. Novan is a Xarappan freedom-fighter, desperate to reclaim his people's land and to be a hero. Given the opportunity to do so, he knows it will be at the expense of many lives. How much is his people's land worth? This compelling story has powerful resonances with modern times as a people under colossal pressure confront agonizing moral choices.