This is the first in a series of fantasy novels called The Dalemark Quartet . In the mythical land of Dalemark, there has been no king for over 50 years, and the North and the South are at odds with one another. Travel is not safe between the two, and spies are everywhere. Only musicians can travel, and Moril, his sister Brid, brother Dagner, and parents Clennen and Lenina make their living singing and taking paid passengers--like the mysterious Kialan. When Clennen is killed, Moril, Brid, Dagner, and Kialan all try to flee North, and find out who murdered Clennen.