Two countries on a small planet fight for control, while one is in the midst of a civil war. In the south side of the small Krothian country of Ythaa, is the trade overseer, and leader of the southern alliance, Amun Al-Din, who controls trade and distribution between the countries, but also runs the military of the allied regions in the south. Amun must go to the larger, wealthier neighboring country Ma'atia, to expand his trade routes, allowing north Ythaa, to no longer be stuck in poverty. In the north, Ali Hassan leads the northern forces, With his lord minister, Tafiq. Ali and Tafiq work to ally with neighboring regions, so they can fight the south, and liberate their home country from the hold of Ma'atia, and free themselves from poverty and past injustice.  While the conflict between the northern forces and the southern alliance escalates, Larys Kalaraja, Great Lord of Ma'atia, plots to cut off trade and distribution, take over Yđaa, gaining control of resources that provide them with great wealth, which cannot be synthesized, and are not found naturally in their country. This would involve the total destruction of Yđaa and its people, and dangerous gambles with off-world colonies.