The threats to the land of Eion are diverse. From the north, an elven army advances under the cover of impenetrable fog, while in the south, the power-hungry ruler Sulepis is forging plans for conquest. Amidst this turmoil, a tremendous burden falls on Prince Barrik and his sister Briony. A massive elven army crosses the Shadow Border, and nothing seems able to stop them. When Barrick falls into the hands of treacherous enemies, Briony is forced to flee from the Southern Fortress. Is it the fate of the peoples of Eion to be crushed between the armies of the elves and the Autarch? Will Briony succeed in finding support abroad to reclaim the throne? And is Barrick up to the challenge that leads him deeper into the Shadow Lands? A true Tad Williams: intricately told and full of suspense from the first to the last page.