The Winter colonists have ruled Tiamat for 150 years, slaughtering the gentle sea mers in trade for off-world wealth. But soon the gate to the galactic Hegemony will close, Tiamat will be isolated, and the 150-year reign of the Summer primitive will begin. Unless Arienrhod, the ageless, corrupt Snow Queen, can commit a genocidal crime - and destroy destiny...unless Sparks Dawntreader, the Snow Queen's companion, can survive sea and city palace and slums - and find destiny....unless Hegemony Commander Jerusha Palathion, and Snow Queen's victim, can find one ally on Tiamat - and change destiny...And unless Moon Summer, a young mystic, can break a conspiracy that spans space - and control destiny. Because Moon is the Snow Queen's lost weapon. The Snow Queen's lost rival. The Snow Queen's lost soul. Moon is the Snow Queen's clone...