Who are the near-mythical people called the Jindentors? Trezlandians and traders from the neighboring countries of Vindor and Binrom call them the Invisibles or Melting Ones and believe they can turn into rocks, trees, or birds of prey. A few whisper they are descendants of time-travelers. Many who trade with the Jindentors want to find the source of their healing silver water and the location of their silver mines. As war with Vindor and Binrom looms, Trezlandian King Laydor needs the Jindentor skills and tactical knowledge that saved his father's kingdom four decades earlier. His military advisors demand conscription in violation of treaties, and others want to increase Jindentor taxes in order to pay for the war.