Trufanion Loudermoss and his sister Katryanna travel to Port Al Kab on the hope of purchasing the Inn of Glad Tidings, but find themselves in the woods of the Eretreyians instead. There they hear of a legend revered by the outcasts who live in the shadow of the woods, of One who will bring healing, blessing and hope. But not all celebrate the coming of the Blessed as Trufanion soon discovers, even as he stumbles onto the mystery of his and Kat's childhood and uncovers his own destiny.