Since before anyone can remember, Taran's Celtic island people have sacrificed children to Crom Cruach, the dread sun god. His whole clan accepts this atrocity, yet in his heart he knows it's wrong. Now, Taran is about to be inducted into his clan's circle of leaders. He promises Laurna, his betrothed, he'll hide his doubts. But at the ceremony beside the bent idol of gold, he can't help but question the druids' rule. He blames the...