The Heart Stone. From the moment he learned of its existence, Aren Lohenrin, an adept of the Temple of the Sky Gods in Ruthher, knew he was destined to penetrate its secrets. The fist-sized purple crystal pulsed and glowed like a living thing, yearning to burst with the immense knowledge and Power the legends said the ancient Sky Gods themselves had stored within it. The Heart Stone was too powerful for a human to touch. Humanity's grasp of the khi power was still too feeble. Yet when Aren stared into the stone's shimmering violet depths, he heard it whisper his name . Now plague stalked the streets of Ruthher and the death toll was mounting. The healing skill of the adepts of the Temple had failed to stop the reign of death, and the Sky Gods were silent. Aren knew he must defy the ancient laws and seek the secrets of the Heart Stone . even if it cost him his life. But even he could not foresee how a single act of defiance would change the world forever. The Secret Sky is the first book of the Dayspring series.