Archmage Planir and the wizards of Hadrumal have demonstrated their devastating powers and the corsair threat is no more. The mainland rulers' relief is overshadowed with fear of one day facing such a threat to their own dominion. Will Tormalin's Emperor make an alliance with Solura's wizards, who so openly covet Hadrumals secrets? Will he seek out that other mysterious magic, Artifice, to counter Planir's magecraft? How will the aloof Aetheric adepts of the mountains answer such an appeal? With many of the Wizard Council disputing Planir's chosen course, he must look beyond the island city for allies. To Suthyfer, the controversial haven for mageborn far away in the Eastern Ocean. To Caladhria, where Corrain, Baron Halferan and Lady Zurenne believe they have finally won respite from all their trials. But absence of strife is hardly peace. The lull before winter's storms descend from the distant northern peaks will be a short one.

Archmage Planir and the wizards of Hadrumal have demonstrated their devastating powers and the corsair threat is no more. The mainland rulers' relief is overshadowed with fear of one day facing such a threat to their own dominion. Will Tormalin's Emperor make an alliance with Solura's wizards, who so openly covet Hadrumals secrets? Will he seek out that other mysterious magic, Artifice, to counter Planir's magecraft? How will the aloof Aetheric adepts of the mountains answer such an appeal? With many of the Wizard Council disputing Planir's chosen course, he must look beyond the island city for allies. To Suthyfer, the controversial haven for mageborn far away in the Eastern Ocean. To Caladhria, where Corrain, Baron Halferan and Lady Zurenne believe they have finally won respite from all their trials. But absence of strife is hardly peace. The lull before winter's storms descend from the distant northern peaks will be a short one.

Archmage Planir and the wizards of Hadrumal have demonstrated their devastating powers and the corsair threat is no more. But the mainland rulers' relief is overshadowed with fear of one day facing such a threat to their own dominion. Corrain, Baron Halferan and Lady Zurenne believe they have finally won respite from all their trials. Yet the lull before winter descends from the distant northern peaks will be a short one.

Heaven has fallen. The legions of Chaos have overrun the world. Uërth is in ruins. With the Heavenly Host's fall, Angel Swords rained from the heavens, littering the world in what was. Only the most honorable and purest of heart are able to take up the Angel Swords and wield them against the throngs of Chaos. These mighty Empyrean Knights are all that stands between Uërth and annihilation. Soul Stealer Saedeus is neither pure of heart nor honorable. Nor does he wish to wield an Angel Sword. He just wants to be left alone with his mushrooms. And his pet rock. But he might not have a choice. When he inadvertently takes the soul of a dying Empyrean Knight into himself, his world, and his obligations, grow forever larger. With the help of his pet rock, the spirit of a heavenly knight, and the sword of a fallen angel, he might be able to make all the difference. If he doesn't die first. Wild Mage Maeraeth is neither a hero nor a great warrior. Nor does he wish to become an Empyrean Knight. He just wants to be left alone with his studies. And not be killed by demons. But, with the destruction of the Chaos Gate, Uërth may have a chance at redemption. If the hordes of Chaos can be contained and if no more portals to the Abyss are created. Maeraeth's teacher, Master Nomba, has other plans for him. Plans that involve both containing demons and preventing their arrival. So much for his studies. And not being killed by demons. Stone Singer Born in a secret enclave safe from demonic depredations, Ilya has Chosen. She has Chosen to leave her life of security for one on Uërth, despite all its risks. Armed only with her Voice, a runic staff, and her training as a Singer, she must venture out into the desolation after the Fall. Now she just has to survive long enough to make that Choice worthwhile. And make a difference wherever she is able. In spite of finding herself in a world overrun by demons.

"Von Tempsky's Mexican experiences following his years on the Califonian gold-fields. Bell, a British resident in Central America, was his father-in-law"--Bagnall.