Something is rising, a power born of formless shadows. It can destroy not only the mortal shell, but eradicate the very memory of what it touches. However, a mysterious gift opposes it - a force as elusive as it is powerful. Will its fleeting strength serve Dathion in his time of greatest need? A millennium of peace has rusted the swords and dulled the readiness of the scattered races. The shining realm of Asillia maintains an ancient promise - to watch and be prepared. For they will be the first to face the stirrings of evil, just as it was a thousand years ago. In that ancient time, fires of courage kindled from the breasts of men, igniting embers of hope in the other races. Now, when that hope is needed once more, the King sends his son. Only Dathion - heir prince of Asillia - can deliver the warnings to the members of the Ancient Alliance, and convey the importance of their need. If he fails, Asillia stands alone ...