After a life-long separation, twin brothers Sheft and Teller finally meet in the deadly Riftwood. Teller, however, has been ordered to bring his brother into the Spider-king's underground stronghold. He must decide if he will betray Sheft or help him reach the Seani, the small resistance community secretly working to free their country from the king's reign of terror. Teller's decision results in disaster. What follows is a tale of risk, heartbreak, and courage, plus a race to find the antidote for a mysterious poison that has left Sheft and Teller with only thirteen hours to live. Mariat, meanwhile, strives to outwit the fierce boar-men who have captured her and then must face the most wrenching decision of her life.