The deaths of the mighty Lalas continue. As each one passes, the shard, its essence, must be retrieved from the Hollows in order for the Quest for the Gem of Eternity to be successful. But Premoran, last of the great wizards and the only one known to be powerful enough to gather the shards, is a prisoner of the Dark Lord himself. And while the Twins continue their struggle to prepare for the Quest, a young Sister, resident of the scholarly Tower of Parth, is thrust headlong into the fray. Tamara, garrulous and good-natured, is chosen by the Lalas Oleander, to journey to the dead city of Odelot, far from the safety of the Tower, and complete a critical task. Her latent powers manifest in the face of peril and a demand arises that will alter the entire course of history.