Synopsis: From the front flap of the Congdon & Weed first printing: "In the distant future, the planet Randall becomes the focus of human exploration. Not even Earth before its end boasted the existence of three such highly developed intelligent species. Forming an interdependent triumvirate being, the griffinlike "wingpersons," the mutiarmed "handpersons," and the telepathic "handsnakes" find their ancient alliance threatened by missionaries who want to bring the Randallans peacefully into the Christian commmonwealth. After more than a millennium of peaceful coexistence, the Randallans once again begin to fight among themselves because the human teachings undermine key cultural doctrines that united them. Brother Hauskyld Gomez and Dr. Clio Yeremenko, a Communist xenist stowaway, join forces with a captain of the Templars (whose reputation for planetary "domestication" is infamous) and with the High Kings of Randall to bring about a tenuous peace Thus begins their remarkable friendship with Kuf, a xhu'gha griffin, one who is not part of a triple. Kuf converts to Christianity after being commanded to meet with the missionaries; he later becomes a prisoner because of his newfound beliefs, then is appointed ambassador. And that is only the beginning for this wise, sad creature."