Where there is light, there must always be shadow The fifth volume in Janny Wurts s spectacular epic fantasy, now re-released with a striking new cover design along with the rest of the series.
The wars began when two half-brothers, gifted of light and shadow, stood shoulder to shoulder to defeat the Mistwraith. Their foe cast a lifelong curse of enmity between them that has so far woven three bitter conflicts and uncounted deadly intrigues.
It is a time of political upheavel, fanaticism and rampaging armies. Distrust of sorcery has set off a purge of the talented mageborn none reviled more than Arithon, Master of Shadow. Through clever manipulation of events at the hands of his half-brother Lysaer, Lord of Light, Arithon s very name has become anathema. Now the volatile hatreds that spearheaded the campaign against Shadow have overtaken all reason.
Those that still stand in Arithon s desperate defence are downtrodden, in retreat and close to annihilation. The stage is set for the ultimate betrayal.