Based on apparent "past-life memories," this historical novel by shamanic witch, priestess and time-traveler Cerridwen Fallingstar takes place in 12th- century Japan in the period leading up to the Genpei War between the Taira (Heike) and the Minamoto (Genji) clans.
The narrative follows the life of Seiko Fujiwara, daughter of a Shinto high priestess of Inari, through court intrigue, war and magic. With the fate and future of Japan in her hands, the young girl, a poet and scholar, waits to fulfill her giri (destiny) as handmaiden to her friend Tokushi, the empress in waiting. A rebel, Seiko stands firm against her father's wish to marry her off to an older man, and falls in love with the dashing lieutenant-governor Sannayo.
They finally marry and go to live in Sannayo's remote household.