Winter is finally beginning to break in Thornata, and with the hope of a new spring comes the shadow of a horrifying new evil. The young Rawl wielder Adel and his allies have already handed their Hoyt enemies a number of resounding defeats. As Adel's power grows, the Hoyt's influence over the province begins to wane. Slowly but surely, they are tightening the noose around the Hoyt, and their vicious leader, Idanox. They press their advantage, determined to rid Thornata of Idanox and the Hoyt for good.

But Idanox will not concede defeat so easily. Unable to slay Adel or seize control of Thornata by conventional means, he has turned to a new ally, the dark mage, Srenpe, searching for a solution. Srenpe has a plan to dispose of the meddlesome Rawl wielder, one which Idanox is willing to accept with no reservations. But Idanox will soon realize that such arts are forbidden for a good reason, and unleashing them upon Thornata may lead him down a path even a man as ruthless as he may be reluctant to explore.