Aiken is a shepherd living a mostly solitary life with only his dogs for company. Neel is a soldier, newly enlisted in the duke's service. They meet by chance, and almost immediately fall hopelessly in love. Trouble is on the horizon, though, and quickly threatens to take away what they're building. The borderlands are under attack by dark forces, and it's rumored the local garrison will be activated and sent to the border. There's even talk of war. Will Neel be sent off to fight? In the meantime, will their relationship survive the stress?