Rapheth is a prince in exile. His closest friends have fled with him out to lands unknown. They meet a family of alchemists in Pallinona who are delighted to help them discover the secrets of the thaumaturgical device Parso has brought.

But foes strike again and they find themselves fleeing to the vast dark forests of the Great Ridge where they met an unexpected ally and come across a man with knowledge that will change the course of history. Rapheth finds himself growing dangerously far away from the spiritual help he needs to endure the challenges ahead. He struggles with taking on the burden of kingship and with his doubts about prophecy his future looks bleak and his soul becomes darker the farther away they travel from Hybron.

Rapheth must travel not only a physical journey but a spiritual one before he is ready for the mantle of kingship. Part of this vast undertaking are his supporters at home; the prophet Ilim and the desert prophetess Anet and others throughout the land who continually prepare the way in Hybron for the return of the Red King, all the while dodging escalated attacks from his enemies, the primary one being the Black King.