These dark times find the esch peoples encroaching on centaur lands. The high centaur, Iffrix, sees no choice for the centaurs but to defend themselves and their lands, and issues a call to arms. But is there another solution? Niesha, a female, observes two stallions squabbling over a mare, and wonders whether the application of peace between them might serve as a guide in peace with the esch. But would the esch be willing to listen? And can Niesha persuade Iffrix to open negotiations?

And how many must die before peace breaks out?

Beth Hudson's novella of relationships between opposites leaves the reader on the edge of the seat, hoping against hope, but still wondering, for all of that, what is possible to the peoples of Hudson's world--and of Earth.