Awian exiles are building a stronghold in the Darkling mountains, where the Rhydanne hunt. Their clash of interests soon leads to bloodshed and Shira Dellin, a Rhydanne huntress, appeals to the immortal Circle for justice. The Emperor sends Jant, half-Rhydanne, half-Awian, and all-confidence, to mediate. Jant soon finds a wrong step could lead to a guerrilla war in the mountains or a civil war in Awia. As he is drawn into the spiralling violence he is shaken into coming to terms with his own heritage and his feelings for the alien, intoxicating Dellin. CARNISS KEEP tells the story of Jant's early years in the Circle and shows the Fourlands as you've never seen them before.