Thousands of years after the fall of humankind, the Four Lands are in grave danger. The Ellcrys, an ancient tree that protects the world from demons, is dying.

Having seen a vision of the end of the world, Amberle leaves her grandfather's palace to seek advice from Eventine's sister Pyria at Wing Hove.

On their way back to Arborlon, Allanon falls ill from a wound. Wil and Amberle are captured by Eretria and the Rovers.

As Wil and Amberle prepare to leave with the Ellcrys seed for the Bloodfire, a terrifying shape-shifting demon tries to kill Amberle and lay the blame on Eretria. Bandon tells Wil about his visions.

Eretria is forced to decide where her loyalties lie after Amberle and Wil are ambushed by Cephelo on their way to the Wilderun. Meanwhile, the changeling is still at large in Eventine's palace.

On the run from the Reaper, Amberle, Wil and Eretria take shelter in a snowy Elven outpost, only to find themselves in mortal peril from the caretaker. In Arbolon, the Changeling tricks Arion into attacking Allano.