To break a curse When Lyan, astrologer of Heartshrine village, accepted the mantle of Spearbearer of Equinox, he took on the responsibility to fight against the Mad God Murdo and his followers, wherever they might be. The first place his new duty takes him, however, offers little welcome to any elf, Spearbearer or not. Sixty years have passed since Lyan's homeland waged war on the nation of Tather, but her people have neither forgotten nor forgiven. Accompanied by his friend Kithr, the Tathren lord Cailean, and Cailean's small retinue, Lyan makes his way through Cailean's lands, usurped by a disciple of Murdo. Before they can reach the keep, though, they fall into the hands of a band of elven warriors still fighting that long-concluded war. Their release is contingent on rescuing a band of warriors captured in a raid, a band that Lyan learns was led by his own cousin. Torn between his duties to the Spear, his promises to Cailean, and his people, Lyan must decide where his loyalties lie: with his companions or his kin, even knowing that turning his back on either could not only destroy them, but also allow his enemy an opening to once again threaten the world.