Two planets, Werel, a slave-owning oligarchy, and Yeowe, its colony, are destined for revolution after contact with the sophisticated space-going civilization of the Ekumen. But one form of oppression and slavery can all too easily give way to another; and so a new, implacable fight for equality is born.

In these four linked novellas, freedom - for women, for slaves, for human beings - takes many forms. It can be learning or love, compassion or courage, created with a touch or killed with a blow.

Contents:

• Betrayals
• Forgiveness Day
• A Man of the People
• A Woman's Liberation