NEW ENTRY IN THE BEST-SELLING LIADEN UNIVERSE(R) SERIES A world divided cannot stand. A people divided cannot thrive. The Oracle has Seen the end of Civilization, and the end of the Haosa, too. Reactions to this are--mixed. On the one hand, foresight is a notoriously erratic Gift. On the other, can Civilization--or the Haosa--afford to assume that the prophecy is an error? And if the Oracle has Seen truly--is it possible to alter the future? While well-meaning people struggle to implement change that might, at least, mitigate a disaster, others are looking toward the profit they can make from the end of the world. In the meantime, the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Team has concluded its whole port inventory, and is about to propose Colemeno as a trade-hub and anchor to a brand-new route. Padi yos'Galan is preparing to step into new roles, personally, and in trade. And the lives of two small children may be the thread that binds the future--or unravels it.