Emperor Rak`koth, the Dark sorcerer, launches his armada and embarks on his ruthless invasion of Balleterria with fifty thousand warriors, intent on fulfilling his despotic destiny to establish his Empire in the West. Across the Luminous Sea, Killian, the Avatar prince and Ellianthia, the Elfin princess forge an uneasy peace and, together with other human and Elfin companions, undertake a dangerous quest to find an ancient talisman that will guide them to the lost mage who can save their lands from Rak`koth’s brutal conquest. Meanwhile, the fragile Alliance of Calderians and Forest folk struggles to overcome hatred and distrust, and unite their forces against the coming invasion, while the Kal`Dathian mage Mik`kel teaches a new magic and traitors lurk within their midst, waiting to strike.