Here begins the tale of Daja, Briar, Tris, and Sandry, four children brought to Winding Circle Temple for training in crafts and magic. They are outcasts in their homeland. But in this magical place, they are valued and respected for their special powers.The Winding Circle Temple has four new residents. One is of noble birth and one is a street urchin brought up to a life of thieving. One is a trader and one a merchant girl. But they all have something in common. They each possess a strange power.The Winding Circle Temple has four new residents--Sandry, Tris, Briar and Deja-- and they couldn't be more different. One is of noble birth and one is a street urchin, brought up to a life of thievery. One is a trader and one a merchant girl, two cultures traditionally at war with each other. What they have in common is that they all possess a strong and wonderful power. These powers will unite them--and when disaster strikes it is the weaving of the magic that will keep them all alive. This is the first title in a new fantasy quartet by the author of the Song of the Lioness quartet. --Philippa Reece