Old enemies and new friends accompany Wally, Moriel, Haden, and Peep in their efforts to incorporate Abidanian life into Mortanian civilization. When a dark malice prowls Mortania intent on destroying the Abidanian culture from within, can Waljan maintain faith in himself and all he has known in the struggle to root out evil? This is the exciting sequel to In the Realm of Mist and Mercy.