Tia is on the verge of adulthood with no place to be. She lives in the far future, after an asteroid has nearly ended civilization. It is a time when technology is again gaining a foothold. Tia is about to graduate her schooling as a healer, although she wanted to learn magic. As an Orphan she has few choices but she is determined to do the best she can. She has two friends in all the world. Her horse Dollar, and best friend, Megan. Then a legend comes riding, needing a healer. He is willing to pay any price for the right one. The children of his land are dying and he needs a cure. He is an Elderan, a wizard, and possibly a 'bride snatcher'. He chooses Tia. The possibility of his teaching her magic makes her decision, yet his home is thousands of miles to the west and they must cross the 'Needles', a towering mountain range of black rock soaring fourteen miles into the sky. It is so far away...yet...she will finally...maybe...learn magic.