Synopsis: For two millennia the Sin Washer's Commandment has ruled the Lands Vin: Those of magic shall hold no power over men and those princes of power shall hold no magic. Now, that law has given way. And a hidden force seeks the havoc of revenge. Jerzy, a Vineart apprentice and former slave sent by his master to investigate strange and unnatural happenings, has himself become the target of betrayal, and he sets out to uncover the foul taint that threatens him. By Jerzy's side are Ao, who lives for commerce and the art of the deal; Mahault, stoic and wise, in flight from her homeland; and Kainam, once Named-Heir of an island principality, whose father's magic-tangled madness endangers them all. The four will travel far from the earth and soul of the vine, along coastlines aflame with fear and danger, to the very limits of the Sin Washer's reach - where a terrifying and unknown destiny awaits. (from the back cover of the Pocket Books first paperback printing)