For nearly eight hundred years, the exiles of Amilum have battled their immortal foe and fellow exile, Mornoc. They have survived life in the harsh Lowlands. They have waited to see if the Promise will be kept. Only a few have truly believed. Most have settled for exile. Many have despaired, joining Mornoc in his endless quest to rule the Lowlands. Now, after fifty years of baiting his enemies into complacency with his silence, Mornoc readies his forces for one final war. Creedus, the last true warrior among men and bearer of the Sword of Amilum is now an old man. He must pass the Sword to another. Is his young grandson, Corred ready to lead, to wield the only weapon that Mornoc has ever feared? Can he even survive what is coming? If Corred fails, only the fulfillment of the Promise can save them.