Herewiss is now a mage of full power, the first man to hold and wield the flame of the Goddess in many centuries. With his companion Freelorn, Prince of Arlen, fugitive from the man who usurped his father's throne, they have given battle to the forces of the Shadow, and bound the Dark One again. But the land of Arlen is dying for lack of an Initiate King on its throne. Only Freelorn can restore the land and the people to health again - but the obstacles seem overwhelming. First, he must somehow slip unnoticed into Arlen, despite the kingly price on his head. Should he succeed at that, still he must rediscover the rites that initiate a King of Arlen, for that knowledge died with his father. And finally, should he live through the night of trial, he must then somehow drive out the Usurper and his army. It would daunt any man. But Freelorn has allies unlike those of any other man. With aid from them, from the elemental Sunspark to the Goddess herself, perhaps he has a chance to succeed.