The war of eternal darkness is about to commence on Valaris. One battle is already behind the team, the disastrous events upon Ardosia, and now it is time to look ahead to the stability of Valaris, or the same fate awaits her. Hidden from humankind are fourteen sacred Valleur sites, each built upon a node of power. Vannis of the Valleur advocates unveiling the sites to restore balance to the earth, balance he claims will aid them in the fight against Margus. The Darak Or has other ideas, and unleashes his soltakin ... In the north Averroes discovers her true past and she and Kylan run the gauntlet of the Maze. Nearby Kisha, Mordan, Cristi and Samson prepare the clans of old for the darkness about to befall them. In the south Vannis, Rayne and Saska continue the unveiling process at the ruins of the White Palace, along with the charismatic little Falcon, Phet. Taranis and the Guardians delve arcane ritual in the Dome to find answers to the ending of soltakin, and wonder when the dara-witch Infinity will bring her Darkling Horde into the mix. McSee, unmasked as traitor, meets the crazy Lanto and they hatch a bold plan, one set into action during an epic summer storm, involving a pirate and ancient loot. Rayne begins the internal battle that will change all. It began for him on Ardosia when he touched Vannis only to release blue sparks between them. The ruling house is almost extinct. How, therefore, does a Valla recognise the blood for the future? By the blue flame of trebac. Kinfire. The legendary Vannis is kin to him, but there is more in store for Rayne. The kinfire tree is larger with branches hidden in its foliage, a condition Rayne suspects, a greater truth he must reveal. Will this truth aid against the approaching darkness?