Aedan Q'tar and two companions are being hounded across the Naransai Mountains by the traitor Zaavan. Suspecting that the young man holds a key to power manifested by his late mother, Zaavan has allied with Chabal V'na of the Sindren Corps, a religion founded on the worship of the dark god Da'a, to pursue Aedan. Separated from his companions, sick, and facing certain death, Aedan is rescued by a young woman he has seen in fevered dreams. Together the two find their way to the fabled City of Light, where Aedan sets out alone to confront his m'airi or destiny. His journey takes him to an Eastern empire whose ruler sits on a dragon throne and where a new life is offered to him. Now he must choose--remain in the East or return to the darkness engulfing his homeland? Jennet, the young woman who rescued him, finds that her own path leads her into danger as she helps stir up rebellion against the Sindren Corps, while Aedan's earlier companions' search for their lost charge brings them new allies against the darkness threatening to consume their world. With Zaavan and Chabal V'na's forces relentlessly pursuing Aedan's allies, will this young brother to dragons return to the fray and find peace and love at last?