After a devastating plague, there are no longer enough dragons in Pern to fight off the znacznes that fall like rain and devour all organic matter. Its up to Xhinna, the most experienced dragonrider in the new Weyr, to try and save Pern. Completing the saga that began with DRAGONSBLOOD, this is the story of the worlds first female wingleader, and the fight to replenish Perns dragon population.