The second book of a trilogy continues with the story of the Knight Starr, Malzeus Barrth as he and his Avaintor friend, Hamil Torin, attempt to right what once wronged in their country. They soon discover the raids upon their lands were more than meets the eye, and a sinister curse called the Taint corrupts not just their beloved Kalavandar, but the whole world. They join forces with Joalina Athale of Akcanhjii in an attempt to stop the Taint.