King Ilohan told Veril she could return to him when the moon waned out, but now the horde of Vadshron the Zarnith -- the greatest army the world has ever seen -- separates them. Nevertheless, Veril sets off across the desert alone. Ahead of her, Ilohan leads his army of reluctant allies towards the place where they hope to stop the Zarnith, if they fight with superhuman strength and if they reach it in time. Far behind Veril, wounded Jonathan's life hangs in the balance. Yet even if he recovers, will joy or hope ever again touch his heart? Veril's brother Brogal sets out in pursuit of her. Will he catch her before the Zarnith? What is his plan if he does? Even if Veril reaches Ilohan, can she do anything more than die with him? The charge of the Zarnith warriors cannot be broken -- but if it is, legend says they will call up a winged creature of darkness that will bring dreadful death on them and on their enemies alike. Vadshron has promised to destroy not only Ceramir and Karolan but Norkath as well. Can any courage prevail against this apocalyptic threat? - Back cover.