Haemas Tal, founder of the controversial mindtalent training school called the House of Moons, is no ordinary schoolmistress. She is also the sole initiate of the dangerous timeways of the enigmatic aliens known as the Old Ones and under the protection of the mind-shielded predators called silshas. Now, Lord Chee, a bitter, impoverished lord, wants the rich and beautiful Haemas for himself. And he's found an ancient mind-control weapon that will give him the power to take her . . . .