As the storm clouds of war gather on the horizon, Sep is left for dead. Karl and Tewfik flee the dungeons of Malasephus with the ashes of their friend Eurich. Meanwhile, Elise, the young woman from Sep's boyhood has joined the Sumisarian Order and is learning the mysteries of the Sumis and the hidden power of the runes; but when a strange man arrives carrying deadly secrets and a dire warning, her entire world comes crashing down. Torn from the safety of Tome, the village that has sheltered her for nearly three years, Elise escapes into the night and everything she once thought was true is turned upside down. Now, pursued by an unknown enemy who has an army of nohetka at his command, Elise, Tyre, and Luk race through the night toward the only point of safety, The Great Forest, where few men have ventured, and fewer returned.