It is a time of intrigue, fanaticism and rampaging armies. Distrust of sorcery has set off a purge of talented mageborn . none reviled more than Arithon, Master of Shadow. Through clever manipulation of events at the hands of Lysaer, Master of Light, Arithon`s very name has become Anathema. Now the volatile hatreds that that spearheaded the campaign against Shadow have overtaken all reason. Those that still stand in Arithon`s desperate defence are downtrodden, in retreat and close to defeat.The stage is set for ultimate betrayal......