After long years of oppression, the Kingdom of Arsace has reclaimed the capital city of Ninyâser and the First Temple of Ârata. But the powerful Brethren can tolerate no challenge to their rule of the Âratist church, and an expedition to destroy the secret colony of Refuge, home to ancient mysteries and heretical sorcery, has become the catalyst for war.
Râvar, the last and mightiest of Refuge's hidden Shapers, vows vengeance against the Brethren and the god he believes has abandoned him. Kidnapping the Dreamer Axane to aid him in his quest, he claims the title of Next Messenger, harbinger of the world's rebirth into a new age of light, and, with his army of fanatical followers, marches on the holy city of Baushpar. As Arsace races to prepare for battle, the Shaper and former priest Gyalo Amdo Samchen must leave his peaceful life behind to save Axane--and to confront, at last, his own terrifying destiny.
Against a backdrop of war, insurrection, and sacrifice, two powerful Shapers must discover who is the true Next Messenger, a quest that will lead to salvation...or destruction.