Across the stars humanity has settled thousands of worlds, and now those worlds are quickly – far too quickly – being reunited by instantaneous transportation…

Giraut Leones, from the troubadour-like Nou Occitan, impulsively exiles himself to the gritty, passionate world of Caledony. He brings change, uncomfortable too-swift change… As Caledony struggles under the tremendous shock of the new communications, and then breaks down, and as upheaval and fear spread across the Thousand Cultures, Giraut must find the strength and courage to embrace his fate if he and the worlds he loves are to survive…