Umbra Key — Jeff Brown

When Kastria Bretan, a reclusive artisan, is seen changing shape to rescue a drowning child, she is banished from the idyllic village of her home. She is sent into the mountainous region beyond the village and witnesses the crash landing of a spaceship, something she knew of but had never seen. She helps the survivor, a defector from the Galactic Order with an artifact that is believed to have the power to change the nature of the galaxy. When a mercenary crew arrives to assist him and take him to the Hegem, a political entity opposing the Galactic Order, Kastria joins them. While pursued by a ship sent after him by the Galactic Order, they make their way to the resort world of Maldakor and complete the process in hopes of discovering the secrets of the artifact, the Umbra Key.