Millennia ago, the goddess Persuasion was imprisoned for defying the heavens. Now, with the help of an old ally, she hopes to break free.
Fresh from the events of The Eighth Born, wielder Rhyen of Avernade and his friends flee the nation of Conden, now under the control of Taida, a powerful wielder whose attempt to free Persuasion shattered the mighty Pankara Stone.
To defeat Taida, Rhyen needs to reconstruct the Pankara Stone. It’s a risky move—to free Persuasion, Taida also needs the Stone restored.
As Rhyen and his companions seek out shards in the depths of the earth and the Elemental Kingdom of Death, the young sorcerer struggles to master his Opposite, the madness that lies within every wielder. He also finds himself drawing closer to Caliena, the young farm girl who chose to accompany him into danger.
Acting on his feelings is impossible. Wielders live far longer than ordinary humans, but Rhyen still finds himself tempted. And ever present on the periphery of his awareness is the Dark Rider, a shadowy figure who has haunted Rhyen since childhood, and who prepares to teach the young wielder the meaning of loss.