The city of Goldereth straddles the mountain peaks standing watch over the black valley of Braganeth, keeping the evil of the Bragamahr contained. But no more. Once the jewel of Tathanar craftsmanship and learning, Goldereth is under siege by creatures from a nightmare.

Alys is forced to flee the fallen city with her espoused husband, Galad, as they seek refuge in the wild lands beyond the Braganeth alone and unaided. Alys must face the possibility of her own death in a last desperate attempt to rescue the one thing of value left to her.