An ancient legend of fear still holds the land in its grip. While those with the Power flee King Gavin's wrath, Bjorn, a simple hunter, discovers that he has this same outlawed ability. Pursued by the king's legions, Bjorn conjures an escape--and is transported into the past. Now he must marshal his ancestors in order to bring those held down by fear to a new future. For the pain and anguish of his memories must never be repeated.

Around the fires, in the cold of winter, the old tales of the Time of Madness are still told. Tales of MageLords, sorcerers near godlike in their power, who looked upon ordinary men with contempt. Who were still feared and hated--until now.