Ask is a young man, recently initiated into the priesthood that watches over his people, and touched by one of the patrons of fire. When contact is lost with a neighbouring village, Ask's mentor Igul goes to investigate. Still new to his responsibilities and position, Ask chooses to remain behind to ward their home against the monsters that lurk in the shadows of the frigid taiga. As time passes and no word comes, Ask is faced with a difficult decision-should he stay to protect the people left in his charge, or follow after Igul and pray that his mentor and their neighbours aren't already dead? Can he save his people from the growing darkness? Or will his decisions lead only to their destruction?