In an intricately developed alternate world, the moon has rings, mammoths survive in the far north, and a patriarchal empire rules over provincial kingdoms where the Goddess is still revered. Handsome Prince Dare flees from his royal duties on a quest for enlightenment, and in high mountains of the far north he finds love in the arms of a young man named Hosis. Their adventures together have only begun.

Dare and Hosis travel with the mysterious woman, Lady Dee, who brought them together and she sponsors their travels. The three companions sail from the mainland to Dreamwake Island in the South Seas. There they learn that an army of women has overthrown the empire, and the lady leaves them. Dare is determined to seek the fabled Dream Orchid, though Hosis fears he will die if he discovers the fabled flower.

The young lovers Dare and Hosis have deepened their relationship on Dreamwake Island. However, Dare feels compelled to return to the mainland to discover what is really happening in the homeland he deserted. Along the way they are captured by slavers and separated. Meanwhile, an army of men marches down from the north to challenge the new matriarchal regime. Can the return of the god Othis end the impending conflict?

Separated by events beyond their control, the young lovers Dare and Hosis each believes the other has died. In the capital city Dare learns of the darkest secrets from his troubled past. A nefarious plot hatched in the Far East threatens to destroy the High Queen’s sanity, and to further erode the new matriarchal regime. Meanwhile, from Lake Bandor a desperate attempt to end the conflict is literally launched upon the wings of giant vultures…