Selah is a slavegirl, small and dusty, who fetches water from a well. She gazes at the distant mountains that hold things she has never seen--like trees, stars, lakes, and snow. Her Master Regan and The Craft have kept nature from the valleys, damning rivers and turning all to desert. They weave their material spells upon the slaves, and nothing ever changes. Then, one day, Regan summons Selah to serve him at a banquet. Before she steps into the Hall, another slavegirl tells her, “You can be walking along the same dark hallway you have trod for years, and suddenly, around the corner comes unexpected help, and everything changes.” As Selah serves the guests, a stranger in a hooded cloak speaks to her. That very night, Micah leads her from the Keep, across the valley, to meet a band of travelers. They journey through hills, moors, and highlands to Mountain Gate. Selah finds beauty, music, and love in the Maker’s world and Micah. Regan follows, bent to take his slavegirl back. He captures Selah, imprisons her again, and she must face loneliness and The Craft.
