Possession of the Five Ki of magic is Terin's obsession, his key to acceptance and honour among the Aelendyell, and he will do anything to obtain them - steal and kill, if necessary. His determination and desperation, even when sent into exile, leads him to the arcane prison of an ancient Dragonlord, where he can't help but tamper with the magical locks... In The Vale, far from the kingdom's world of politics and trade and war, Andra is intent on learning the lore of The Way from the Guardian Master so he can take his place among the Guardians of The Vale to protect his village, but when the King's elite Haardrishii warriors come to take young men to the capital, to serve in the army in a war against the invading Haagii from the north, Andra has no choice but to go along. The people of Thana, though, have no understanding of the potency of the enemy preparing to sweep down upon them from Uz Erhaag... Circling behind the fates of Terin and Andra is an ancient prophecy concerning the second coming of the dragonlords and the one destined to face and defeat them.