The forces of Eromar ravage the Everland, and the skies are filled with the smoke and ashes of the burning woods. Those Folk who do not escape into the far mountains and hidden valleys are driven into the broken westlands of Humanity, where Dreydmaster Vald reveals the full vision of his mad crusade, one that will annihilate even the memory of the Kyn and their kind.One group of heroes walks the Darkening Road to rescue the exiles, and another travels to the capital city of Men to make a last, desperate appeal, but both know that these days will determine the fate of the Folk in this Melded world. Will their roots hold fast, or will they be cast adrift into the storm? Can they find a safe middle path on this way of thorn and thunder?