Onua is happy to hire Daine as an assistant to help drive a herd of ponies back to Tortall, especially when she observes the skill and ease with which Daine manages the beasts. Onua soon suspects that the young woman's abilities with animals come from a magical gift, although Daine denies any special powers. But when the two encounter perilous immortal creatures during their journey together, even Daine must admit that Onua may be right in her suspicions. Fans of the author's Song of the Lioness quartet, published by Atheneum (Alanna: The First Adventure, 1983; In the Hand of the Goddess, 1984; The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, 1986; and Lioness Rampant, 1988) will be delighted with this introduction to a new fantasy series set in the Kingdom of Tortall, again featuring strong and independent female characters. (Ages 10-13)