A queen of black sorcery. A fear-quelled city. A quest into darkness.The city of Esgallien groans beneath the Witch-queen's iron-gripped rule. Swift rumor of dark deeds fly across the land. What once was beautiful is become a shadow-realm, and the people plead for a hero. Drawn by loyalty stronger than dread, Lanrik returns. He seeks to learn the fate of the Raithlin who opposed the queen, and their leader, his father in all but name. More, he must discover how best to help the city. All deadly questions, for the Witch-queen brooks no opposition. Worse, she knows that he has come. But in the midst of danger, he is not alone. Erlissa walks by his side. She commands magic of her own, and together they risk their lives for the city they love. But their quest is more important than they know. A secret waits at its end - one they could never guess - one to make even the Witch-queen tremble.