Destiny is a double-edged blade.

The Mountain of Ice-Cloak is beset by the ürsi scourge. Every spring they raid flocks and scour the valleys. Migration and trade have slowed to a trickle. Queen Jade was a warrior in her youth, but now a disease gnaws at her bones. As she weakens, the folk favor her eldest daughter to lead them. But prince Firehelm believes Ice-Cloak needs a warrior, not a healer. He wishes to strike back against the ürsi, discover their nest, and gain the folk's favor.

When Queen Jade gives Firehelm permission to raise a personal guard, a young dwarf named Korin joins the cause. Beset by uncontrollable tremors that impair his practice of other trades, Korin hopes a warrior's calling may give him purpose. Caught up in friendship, leadership, and fell deeds, Korin follows the prince north to the brink of ancient legend—and perhaps their folk's destiny.