Scales can fly and feathers swim Hope can water lifeless sands But can a way be forged through fire When one must fall where none can stand? The rains of True Realm are failing, and no-one knows why. The lack of water turns prey into predator, and predator back into prey - the danger to all has never been greater. Journeying far to collect their allocated water ration, a detour to assist an ill-fated serpent in direr need than they brings Amber and her friends to the savanna lands: the stronghold of the vulturine Harpy tribe who are experts in drought survival living alongside the wildest creatures still gracing the Realm. In recognition of their kindness to the serpent, the Harpies offer the company a gift of great antiquity with far-reaching consequences. Yet it will require a far greater sacrifice for the rains to return...