For centuries, orcs and humans lived as enemies until Hazras, chief of the Ironshield clan, fell in love with a human maiden from Fairhorn. Their union stalled years of war and hatred. Their alliance set an example; it became a tradition for only the fiercest orc warriors to claim humans for their brides to maintain this tenuous alliance. For more than two hundred years, this tradition of keeping the peace remained unbroken . . . until Daegon refused. His heart was closed to the young maidens of Fairhorn. As a new chief of the Ironshield clan, Daegon's foolish hesitance to renew the alliance with Fairhorn stirred dissension among the clan Elders. Daegon would not doom a human maid - nor his heart - to a loveless union. His lonely heart slumbered for all suitors...until one day by the riverbank changed his fate.