Magic is fading from the Glade and only Rhylan can hold it there, thus preventing the Schael from warring on the Emani. But as he leaves his family to take his place in the Glade, his eight-year-old son takes off on a mysterious and dangerous mission to rescue a stranger. Rhylan must send his brother in search of his son while he deals with the danger of a Schael war, plots against his life, and the gradual fragmentation of his family.