On the iron-poor colony planet of Kalima, the inhabitants are trapped in a feudal society governed by the ruling families for hundreds of years. When Alere Connor, failed xintou but expert swordswoman, discovers the existence of a viable iron deposit, her once-predictable, restrictive life is thrown into chaos. To protect her people, she must somehow prevent the first war on Kalima from erupting and destroying the peace that has reigned for seven hundred years.