Beyond the great stone walls of the Keep of Dare stretched the dominions of the Dark Ones—monstrous creatures that had burst from their dreadful underground caves in a thirst to destroy humanity. Inside huddled the pitiful remnants of the once-great kingdom of Darwath.
Chancellor Alvir and Bishop Giovannin Normali continue their bitter struggle for power. And, against all advice, Alvir enlists the support of the Emperor of Alketch, the southern empire not yet touched by the Dark, for a desperate and hopeless offensive against their nests. Giovannin, consumed by fanatical fury, seeks to root out all wizardly magic.
In this breeding ground of ambition, hatred, and fear, only Ingold Inglorion can heed Gil, who has uncovered the reasons behind the rise of the Dark.