Seven long years have taken their toll on Ostrava Beravtn of Beln, former Wing Leader in the elite Skyriders. As much of the continent of Erathia lies devastated by the forces behind the Darkening, he is reduced to fugitive status as hordes of horrids - ugly, venomous remains of people - continue to exert their murderous rule. A risky decision to explore Ktillia Fortress for clues to his family's fate leads to an encounter with Sun Elf Alena, Senior Priestess of the dominant elven religious organization, the Order in the land of Kor'an-Tel, whose life is on the line at the horrids' hands. Mutual support becomes vital for their survival as an involuntary emotional bond develops between them. All the more so as they are charged with a hazardous mission into hostile territory in a desperate attempt to forge an alliance that might turn the tide before it is too late.