To the scions of Shannara had fallen three tasks: Par must find the fabled Sword of Shannara. This he has accomplished, but he believes he has killed his brother, Coll. Rimmer Dall, the Federation’s Chief Seeker, has planted an awful thought in Par’s mind – that he himself is Shadowen, the very evil he seeks to destroy. 

          Wren is in the Westland, seeking out the elves. And in the Northland … Walker Boh has been commanded by the shade of Allanon to discover the lost city of Paramor and recreate the Order of Druids, disbanded these three hundred years. To begin this he must find the Black Elfstone, but the gem is in the hands of an ancient being of timeless evil – the Stone King. Beset on all sides by enemies, and his own self-doubt, Walker sets out on his part of the perilous quest which will either bring success – or destruction.