The ancient village of Drumlin is one of peace and wisdom. The people have not known bloodshed in ages, so when their deity, The Always, sends a prophecy of division and discord through a wise old woman, no one can believe it. Is it possible fighting could start among them? After all, the closest outside settlement is Barchan Mountain, and the people of Drumlin have not been in contact with them for generations. Tephra is a young shepherdess who lives in Drumlin Hills. She is considered a favorite of The Always. Graceful and beautiful, she dances and sings in the village ceremonies and even soothes the flock with her singing. One day, she must traverse a treacherous mountain trail to save a lost lamb. The trail takes her close to Barchan Mountain-and suddenly the events of the prophecy are set in motion. Tephra's unwilling participation in these events sets in motion the drawing apart of her people. Old fears and superstitions threaten the peace of her village, and she is forced to make some extremely difficult decisions. Her choices challenge the way the Drumlins have lived for centuries. Can a young shepherdess, a favorite of The Always, bring new wisdom to the people of her village? Or will their refusal to change lead to their downfall?