Born under a dark moon, named misbegotten, Norna must battle society's disdain and the atmosphere of hatred toward those unfortunates believed to be tainted by evil. Norna learns of her mother's plans to abandon her at the temple and flees to join the Healwomen... those few remaining followers of The Teachings of The Three. As she flees a dreadful future, she meets Shandor, a priest in training, and together they face enemies, battle the forces of Midran, and discover strengths...and weaknesses. Norna and Shandor are plagued by Britha and Vorgan, two determined to destroy whatever chance the two wandering warriors might have at happiness. When Shandor is brutally injured, Norna uses her newfound skills as a Healwoman to bring him back to health...But will she and Shandor ever have a chance for their love to grow and prosper? Will the child she bore ever know the love and care of a family safe from danger? And will their world survive?