Akri of the Half Moon makes a gruesome discovery near his home on the high plains: a hunter, killed by a sword - the weapon of man slayers. Is this a sign that the shamans' warding against a long-dormant dark power is faltering? The lowlands mage Raffin Andelaran makes an unpleasant discovery of his own; seeking help from his guild, he finds corruption at its very heart. The peoples of the high plains and the lowlands face a threat both new and ancient that will overwhelm them if they stand alone. Only together can they hope to triumph over evil. But to unite their strengths, new paths must be taken, ancient fears overcome - and the world of some must change beyond all expectation.