"Love...can destroy, it can build, or it can do both at once..." With the Papilion's whereabouts unknown, the Shadow pursues its plan for Marathana's destruction. In control of the Northern tribes and strengthened by allies in the Deep South, the Shadow prepares to unleash its ultimate weapon, the berserker. Jeru's sudden reappearance reveals the presence of a powerful, new will at work. Blessed by the Lightbearer and supported by a ragtag group of survivors and unexpected allies, Jeru prepares to lead the small army into enemy territory. As war breaks, Kelen and Jeru clash one last time. One seeks to destroy, the other to save. The strongest will prevail, sealing Marathana's ultimate fate.