The Watcher had spent the decades of his life scanning the vast depths of space for invaders. And then they came and conquered, and his purpose in life was done.

As the conquerors established control and men collaborated, or went into hiding, or resisted sullenly, the Watcher began to travel. He studied ancient mysteries and prepared himself for a destiny he could not foresee. In the ancient holy city called Jorslem he hoped his youth might be returned to him, and he might claim the slim young girl he had come to love.

But much more than his own destiny awaited him in Jorslem. For the girl was much more than she seemed...