Book excerpt: The desert world of Dray's Planet is inhabited by the Children of the Second Revelation, who fear that unbelieving outsiders may contaminate their religion. But when a strange creature is discovered, only an unbeliever named Cecil Robinson has the necessary expertise that will allow him to study it. Permitted on Dray's surface, he is soon joined by his ruthless rival and suddenly the journey to discover the truth behind this mysterious creature turns deadly. And Cecil soon learns that there is more at stake for the populace of Dray's Planet than just a scientific exploration...