A kingdom’s four provinces are in upheaval without a legitimate king. Years ago, the Lady of the Four Lands experienced a prophetic dream that predicted her son would be the kingdom’s true, anointed ruler. Now that Thanfred is thirteen years old, both his mother and the wysard Lyblæca intend to claim the crown for him.

But the council demands that before the fate of the kingdom be placed in the hands of a boy, the boy must prove himself worthy and gain the favor of Heaven. Thanfred is burdened with a quest to seek a great treasure more valuable than any gem and more powerful than any sword. His journey will take him through unknown lands and places of darkness.

In those places lurks an evil in league with the Shadow. It is a powerful force – and one that can only be defeated through the aid of the Heavenly Father.