In a legendary past a visionary named Emphyrio had proclaimed the truth and subsequently become a martyr. The story holds an intense fascination for young Ghyl who dreams of freedom. Which is not an easy prospect since he and his father barely survive under the Feudalistic monarchy known as the Guild; not to mention the domination of the oddly inhuman ""Lords."" This is a well-organized story about a latterday revolution and Ghyl's search for a new truth... which comes, finally, as a shocking revelation. Particularly for the empathetic under-thirties.