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Stuempfle spins a fantasy tale about the collapse and restructure of a civilization as the Haafian await an attack by the enemy Kyykki. The story develops through the conversations between the many characters and the situations that arise. The dialogue evinces the relationships of the characters on a micro level, as well as develops the tension of beings anticipating the chaos of a collapsing civilization. The story is filled with the drama of battle, although not as much as a good versus evil tale but of ambiguity versus more ambiguity. An intriguing question emerges from the narrative: how do beings develop a society and, subsequently, cope with the preparations for its defense or restructure?
The author develops the main theme of loyalty among the characters and their horses, within military hierarchies during a variety of uncertainties, and within national structures. Also shown are the tensions of war, the love of home and personal histories, the ways and means of dealing with enemies and allies, and the ultimate theme of the desire to survive. Additionally, the author uses the conventions of medieval life, romances, socially conflicted relationships, and a plethora of events.to give a bird’s-eye view of the capacities of people to destroy their own and others' conventions and environments. These themes are particularly common to stories of civilizations under threat, and the author explores them well in the narrative. The use of dialogue enables the reader to form bonds with the characters and thus to care for and relate to the struggles that all experience, even when the story feels overwhelming. Ivy O'Connor's illustrations enliven and punctuate the text.