For generations, the descendants of the powerful telepath known as The Rowan have used their various talents to help mankind. They have led Earth to ally itself with the peaceful alien Mrdini, and together the two races have held back the predatory Hivers, who once laid waste entire planets.
Like all powerful families, the Rowan's descendants have also made enemies. Especially on Earth, there are those who charge that the treaties with the Mrdini gave away too much, and that the Mrdini receive more than their fair share of new living space as habitable planets are discovered. There are also complaints that the Hivers should have been exterminated, rather than contained and studied, and that such concentration of power in the hands of one family is dangerous.
The Rowan and her daughter Damia, with their beloved husbands and extended families have seen their share of personal tragedy and loss. Now, with their goals of peace and plenty apparently in sight they face whispering campaigns, sabotage, and even assassination attempts aimed at destroying all they have worked for.