Toren wanders the world searching for answers. Why can he predict the weather? Why can he understand the words of any language? How can he hear the voice of the forest at the touch of a tree?  At a tiny fishing village at the southern foot of the Inner Sea he rests from his pilgrimage, throwing himself on the hospitality of villagers who communicate through song. For a time he starts to believe that he could call this place home, but the arrival of a half-starved band of ragged warriors changes everything.