The fast-moving second instalment of the stunning Averil trilogy. Averil, returning from a trading expedition, is horrified to find that the Wise Woman Warrior Metria and Averil's sister, Ludella, have been kidnapped. Averil and a small band of warriors set out to rescue them. They find the wider world again thrown into chaos. The evil sorcerer Malidon has emerged stronger than ever, and this time not even the master sorcerer Panay is strong enough to defeat him. Will Averil be able to convince the reclusive and mysterious Beast of Dreyon to help them?