THE REBEL SLAVES NEED A LEADER. EVEN IF HE'S A WIZARD. EVEN IF HE'S DEAD.

Dirk Dulain is a churl-a cloned serf bred to serve the aristocracy of the planet Melange-who escaped and joined a Resistance devoted to readying the churls for their next great attempt at freedom. Dirk is determined to foment revolution, but he needs the help of DeCade, the rebel peasant who led the last great revolt of the churls against their despotic feudal masters.

One problem: DeCade died generations ago when his rebellion failed. His staff and bones were broken and lost; only his songs remain.

Now, with the help of the peasant spy Madelon and a mysterious giant named Gar, Dirk must somehow revive the legend of DeCade, trigger the revolution, and lead the slaves in a battle against their aristocratic overlords, a battle they must win... or die.