Witchson, bastard, heir to kingdoms on land and under sea, young Herwad laves the mountains of his abandonment and sets forth on a bold quest to reclaim his birthright. Across a world of marvel and peril he travels, where crows whisper prophecy and the dead sail seas, where streams spawn fell dreams and forests house ancient gods...where lustful old powers yet burn in dark hearts, and a young man's road to love and kingship winds toward a greater darkness still.