In this, the last book of the trilogy, the youngest son of Seqenenra Tao assumes command of the native armies rebelling against the Pharaoh Apepa, whose alien dynasty has ruled Egypt for two hundred years. When his dedicated but ascetic older brother, Kamose, was assassinated by his own allies, Ahmose was seriously wounded. The women of the family must hold the native forces together until Ahmose can recover and develop a strategy that will bring about the downfall of the "rulers of the uplands," whom we know today as the Hyksos.