Book I in the ''Bitterbynde'' trilogy and a landmark debut in the realm of Fantasy writing. In a world where creatures of legend haunt countryside and forest to be caught outside after dark means almost certain death so the inhabitants of Isse Tower are amazed when a mute starving foundling is discovered outside their gates. With no recollection of either its name or past the child comes to realize that the only hope of happiness lies with a wise woman residing in distant Caermelor. But to get there the newly named Imrhien must survive a wilderness of endless danger. Lost and pursued by unhuman wights Imrhien is eventually saved by Thorn a mysterious and handsome ranger but unknown to them both a dark force has summoned the Unseelie and malignant hordes amass in the night. Language: English