 The novel alternates between the Kalpa and present @-@ day Seattle , where three drifters , Ginny , Jack and Daniel are in possession of sum @-@ runners , small stone @-@ like talismans that give them " fate @-@ shifting " abilities , whereby they can jump between fate @-@ lines ( world lines in a multiverse ) . Ginny and Jack also have disturbing dreams of the Kalpa , and are inexplicably connected to Jebrassy and Taidba , two " breeds " living in the future city . Fate @-@ shifters and their sum @-@ runners are hunted by " collectors " working for the Chalk Princess , an entity controlled by the Typhon from the future . These hunters place adverts in local newspapers inviting " dreamers " to contact them for " help " . 
