In the Middle Kingdoms the royal magics are failing, and the eternal malice of the Shadow has risen again, sworn to destroy all of Creation. Against the evil of the Shadow stands Freelorn, the Lions Child, exiled prince of Arlen. And with him four others: Sunspark, a fire elemental; Eftgan, warrior queen of ancient Darthen; and two keepers of the Flame of PowerHerewiss, the first man in centuries to master to Sword of Khavrinen, and Segnbora, swordswoman and sorceress, speaker of the tongue of Dragons.