Avalyne is at peace. The Aeth Lord has been defeated and the war he unleashed has come and gone. With the kingdom of Carleon restored, King Dare, a mortal man has finally wedded his elven love Arianne. As they prepare to usher in a new era of prosperity across the land, the Queen happily announces the impending arrival of an heir. Arianne's joy is short-lived when she discovers an ancient evil has emerged from the wreckage of war with a monstrous plan to conquer Carleon using her unborn child. In secrecy, Arianne leaves her very mortal husband behind and embarks on a race against time to prevent a hellish ritual that will turn her innocent child into a tyrant worse the Aeth Lord. Joining her on a quest that will take her to the farthest reaches of Avalyne are her best friends-the warrior Celene of Angarad and Keira of the Green. Together, the three women will face many perils as they pit themselves against the darkest creatures in Avalyne while at the same time, exploring the majesty of its many kingdoms. This is a story about women who are determined to protect the people they love and the friendship that binds them together.