A cataclysmic tide of death from antiquity is about to engulf the eastern shores of the Inland Sea, filling the fields from Lisan to the north with fangs and claws, obliterating everything in its path. Caught on the edges of this maelstrom, Lund, Ruhn, Gaereth and Haldrid are embroiled still in their personal battles. Yet there is no way to avoid choosing sides, for all the nations of the region find themselves in the way of Horun's terrible storm of retribution, mere thralls in the game of ultimate domination. Ruhn, adrift on a sea of indecision, is confronted with the darkness in his own soul, and has to find a way of salvation or be swallowed forever in the bitter hatred of his past. For the Ligerian girl a nightmare awaits that will test her spirit and soul to the highest degree, as well as the loyalties of those who profess themselves her friends. The long struggle of the hopeless in the Dankwood will end: either with final extermination or an impossible escape. The Vaerhan boy who works his innocent charm on those who surround him, wins allies and devoted friends wherever he goes, but will this magic be sufficient before the ultimate challenge?