Armies mass, and men and women must choose sides in the mighty conflict for control of the world and the Artefacts of Power! Though Aurian and her fellow Mage Anvar have escaped the clutches of the dread Archmage, they have yet to lift the curse on Aurian's child, and put an end to Miathan's evil. Only the Sword of Flame, last and greatest of the Artefacts of Power, can help them - but the Sword is hidden. Meanwhile, Death awaits his third and final meeting with the pair...As the Mages set out once more, the world stands poised on the brink of conflict. Miathan is fortifying the city of Nexis and, in the south, the fierce Khazalim are arming for war. The Skyfolk have abandoned their long isolation and the Xandim prepare for their last great ride. Both the Leviathans and the Phaerie have decisions to make which will change their existence forever. The future stands balanced on a knife-edge between hope and destruction. All await the coming of the Sword of Flame - and Aurian.