In a world of magic and legend, three peoplekinds face their troubles together.
After a century of mining, Peregrine is tired. He is an aging dragon, deaf and weak-winged, reliant on the keen-eared weasel assistants he raises like his own children. But he has buried four of his small friends and he will outlive dear Tillian as well. Tormented by guilt, Peregrine resolves to change his career and change himself. With effort, he knows he can set his daughter-friend free.
On the same day Peregrine takes wing for a messenger job, Rose's village faces an epidemic. Dozens of her insectoid people suffer from the demon plague, gripthia -- and without enough healing magic, they will die. Young and inexperienced at her magecraft, Rose can't save her village alone. Her plea for help summons Peregrine and Tillian for flying errands and nursing the ill. To save neighbours' lives, the pair will need to part ways for the first time in Tillian's life. And however much it hurts him, Peregrine hopes they will stay separated.