Illustration and map issued on 2 sided, fold out insert.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

For centuries the Four Lands enjoyed freedom from its demon-haunted past, protected by magic-enhanced borders from the dark dimension known as the Forbidding and the profound evil imprisoned there. But now the unthinkable is happening: The ancient wards securing the barrier between order and mayhem have begun to erode-and generations of bloodthirsty, monstrous creatures are poised to spill forth, seeking revenge. Young Elf Arling Elessedil possesses the enchanted means to close the breach and once more seal the denizens of the Forbidding in their prison. But when she falls into the hands of the Federations diabolical Prime Minister, her efforts may be doomed. Only her determined sister, Aphen, who bears the Elfstones, has any hope of saving Arling. Meanwhile, Railing Ohmsford-desperate to save his imprisoned brother-seeks to discover if his ancestor Grianne is still alive and willing to help him save the world . . . no matter the odds or the consequences.