Elbryan and Pony—soul mates from childhood who grew even closer over time—fervently hope that the tide of darkness is at last receding from the land of Corona. Yet if evil is on the retreat, why are hordes of goblins and bloody-capped powries slashing their way ever-deeper into civilized lands? A sinister threat now looms over Corona, for the power of the demon dactyl was not entirely vanquished by the sacrifice of the monk Avelyn Desbris. Instead, its darkness has infiltrated the most sacred of places—as a once-admired spiritual leader rededicates his life to the most vicious, most insidious revenge against the forces of good. There may be no stopping the spread of the malignant evil...

The battle against the hordes of evil reaches a fever pitch as Elbryan the Nightbird, warrioress Pony and elven Juraviel go head-to-head with the armies of the towering fomorian giant general Maiyer Dek and bloody-capped powrie general Kos-Kosio Begulne . Within their own ranks, Elbryan finds himself at odds with the champion of Caer Tinella, Roger Lockless, a struggle of wills that leads to combat by sword.

And Father Abbot Markwart, aided by Brother Francis and two deadly new Brothers Justice, begins a campaign of torture and terror in his search for the stolen sacred stones of Pimaninicuit.""

Abellican Church leader Father Abbott Dalebert Markwart tightens his sinister grip with the aide of the deadly Brothers Justice and his treacherous compatriot Abbott De'Unnero. Markwart's venemous reach extends to Pony's own adopted family, as well as the centaur Bradwarden and the goodly Master Jojonah. As the war against the Demon Dactyl's minions winds down, the battle for the hearts and minds of the kingdom of Corona escalates and Nightbird, the elven Juraviel and Elbryan's other allies will all be affected.