Darkness has awoken in the kingdom of Vladvir... Down from the northern forests and into the plains, Norill raiding parties burn, and break, and kill; but their cruel weapons and black arrows do not strike alone. The border forts of Austgæta and Norogæta lie in ruins. With King Codard's vanguard defeated, Vladvir's defenses have fallen. In the west Lord Iramov-once an ally to the kingdom, now a growing threat-amasses an army. He carries the Death fragment, a destructive piece of Alora's Tear whose suffocating power brings only defeat and despair. For darkness has awoken in Vladvir. Armed with a fragment of his own, and first-hand knowledge of the devastation that Iramov and the Death fragment have wrought, Askon leaves Tolarenz behind to warn the king, alert his friends, and keep Vladvir's people safe. Dreams of powdered circles haunt his steps. The faces remind him of what has been lost. The voices remind him of what is at stake. To the South Kingdom they call him, where Morrowmen awaits. And there is more than darkness to wake...