A space warrior lands his damaged ship on a planet run by women and is enslaved by them. He is Kelric Valdoria, a prince of the Skolan Empire and he is put to work as a political adviser, and as a lover.
The Skolian Empire rules a third of the civilized galaxy through its mastery of faster-than-light communication. But war with the rival empire of the Traders seems imminent, a war that can only lead to slavery for the Skolians or the destruction of both sides. Destructive skirmishes have already occurred. A desperate attempt must be made to avert total disaster.
Sailing the Stratoin oceans on her coming-of-age apprenticeship, Maia, a half-caste var, endures hardship, hunger, imprisonment, loneliness, battle, separation from her twin sister, and a rendezvous with a threatening long-distance traveler. By the author of Sundiver. Reprint.