As an apprentice to his physician father, fourteen-year-old Garth Baxtor accompanies him on the healer's annual journey to the mines of Escator. Deep below the earth in the Veins, scores of hardened, criminals work endlessly in darkness and despair, harvesting a precious commodity known as gloam. Garth is gifted with the Touch, an ability to sense sickness and encourage healing. Laying his hands on a prisoner, Garth discovers a horrifying secret that could shake the kingdom of Escator to its foundations.
- ISBN10 0340699604
- ISBN13 9780340699607
- Publish Date 18 December 1997
- Publish Status Transferred
- Out of Print 4 May 2000
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hachette Children's Group
- Imprint Hodder Children's Books
- Format Paperback (A-Format (178x111 mm))
- Pages 416
- Language English