"Outrageously fantastic, romantic and gorgeously implausible." --"Analog. One of the most universally acclaimed first novels in science fiction-by the writer who become a star of the genre. On the orders of the White Goddess, four companions embark on a journey to seize a jewel from the dark god Hama. With this precious stone, she may defeat the malign forces gathered against her. But, as the mission continues, easy distinctions between good and evil blur. "Streaked through with poetry and crammed with vivid images."--"New Worlds.