Two half brothers, cursed by a Mistwriath to a lifelong enmity, whose gifts of Light and Shadow are set into violent conflict. Lysaer, Prince of the Light. A dedicated, charismatic leader, sworn to uphold justice and set humanity free from the sorcerer's rule, he will claim divine power to safeguard his people from an enemy he firmly believes will destroy them. Arithon, Master of Shadow. Brought up a trained mage, given a musical talent that has won him the title of Masterbard, he wishes for nothing but to defuse war and strife, and search out the vanished old races, whose grace holds the key to the world's fragmented peace. With the appalling destruction of the Vastmark warhost, recoil and grief reshape the balance of power in the Five Kingdoms. Koriani enchantresses join forces with Lysaer in a desperate bid for power, and their intrigues threaten Arithon's hard-won autonomy. The aging Koriani Prime Matriarch wants the Shadow Master taken captive, no matter what the costor the means. For his life stands as her bargaining chip to break the deadlocked rivalry with the fellowship sorcerers. Here begins the Alliance of Light. With faction set against faction, heart set against heart, and spells of high mastery engaged to cast down the ancient mysteries, the moves made by hunters and fugitive alike will remake the course of world destiny.