The half-brothers Lysaer and Arithon freed the world of Athera from the suffocating embrace of the deadly Mistwraith, and it cursed them to lifelong enmity. Now Arithon, Master of Shadow, has defeated Lysaer's Alliance of Light against immense odds. But the corrupted core of the Alliance's priesthood is plotting to enslave Lysaer and use the Mistwraith's curse to break the world's order. Meanwhile, the sorcerers of the Fellowship compact are sorely beset and the clans are counting their ruinous losses. Arithon, who holds their last hope of survival, chooses the most dangerous course: heart and mind he dedicates himself to avoiding killing, though allies and enemies muster for war, blind to the consequences.