The introduction of The Way into the Conclusus has not had the effect Orlo desired-the people are divided, self-assignment has run rampant, and Elder Bednegraine's legion of enforcers are out of control. Gathering in secret, a group of protectors known as the Shamar have chosen Orlo to fix it. But in order to make the Conclusus work again, Orlo will have to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a friend, highjack a cartagon, and find the courage to travel into the deepest part of the Earth where unseen creatures known as wolves lurk in the darkness of the mines.