Penderrin Ohmsford is captured by the Druids after finally crafting the powerful darkwand, which he'll need to rescue his aunt Grianne, who was banished by Druid traitors to the gloaming netherworld of the Forbidding. Pen's parents are captured by the villainous Shadea a'Ru and rescued in a daring escape. Elfstone-carrier Khyber Elessedil, who is sentenced to death by Shadea, follows Pen after his ensnarement. Then there's the matter of the war--Federation...