Zel, a Man of the Cold, is captured. He is put on trial for a murder he did not commit. In a brief meeting with Zel, Cal realizes he has telepathic power.
Liam seems to know Zel and takes on the challenge of defending him. Despite Liam's best efforts, Zel is convicted and sentenced to death.
Cal believes the verdict and sentence is unjust and helps Zel escape; in doing so he discovers that he and Zel may have more in common than he ever imagined..