For centuries, descendants of Israelite tribes have peacefully existed in their isolated holdfasts in the Ethiopian Highlands. But when a poisonous arrow kills her beloved father, King Gideon, the young Queen Judith declares war. There are only two possible outcomes for her people: victory or destruction.

To aid her cause, Judith promises to marry Sahama, an ambitious exiled prince. Can she trust this handsome but dangerous stranger? Or should she listen to the more prudent advice of her foreign military counselor?

A rich tapestry of court intrigue, adventure, alliances, and betrayals serves as a backdrop to this alternative history tale.