Set in the distant future, when human beings populate a variety of planets, A Time of Changes examines the society of Borthan. For thousands of years, Borthan has been ruled by a covenant that teaches that the self is to be despised. The baring of personal thoughts and feelings to another represents the most heinous crime. Kinnall Darival, an exiled prince from the country of Salla, has always outwardly observed the covenant. But inwardly, he commits a grave offense when he falls in love with his bondsister, Halum. By law, he cannot reveal his affections, nor act on them. When an Earthman reveals to him a miraculous drug that enables two persons to completely bare their souls to each other, Kinnall immediately begins to give it to others. The authorities force him into hiding, yet Kinnall is determined to use the drug with his bondsister - not realizing the effect this will have on her and the unalterable change it will bring to both their lives.