Steadholder Samael Thaindire has failed. The Witch Hunter has fallen under the enchantment of Kathryn Dromgoole who now lays claim to his fabled white blood. The matter will not rest there. Aftlain's denizens covet her prize and they have their own schemes to fulfil. As Aftlain's inhabitants seek to wrench Thaindire from Kathryn's grasp, the dark malevolence of Archpriest Syed Novac sweeps into the village. Charged with executing the Dark Religions' Grand Design he is determined and ruthless. Aftlain and whiteblood are central to his machinations. Darkness is in the ascendancy as it seeks to harness Aftlain's ancient power. Who will stand against its might? The faintest of whispers may just bring hope.....