Though Tal intends to end Yuldor's war himself, Garin and their companions follow closely on his heels. Elendol is in ashes, and its queen has been replaced by one sympathetic to the East. Fleeing the destruction left in his wake, Tal leaves behind all those he loves in an attempt to save them from further harm. His aim is simple: Find Yuldor and claim the Worldheart from him, no matter the cost. But Garin and the others won't let Tal sacrifice himself so easily. Setting off in pursuit, they intend to offer what help they can. However, not all the company's aims are the same. The East is fraught with imposing challenges, formidable monsters, and dubious allies. And survival is only the beginning, for its Emperor has a scheme in mind that may throw the World off its axis....