Ehlana, queen of Elenia, clings to life by a thread, preserved within a diamond-like block of crystal conjured by a sorceress with the aid of a dozen Pandion knights. For a year, their lives will save hers. However there is a lost jewel which will save her life, if it can be found.
Sparhawk, Pandion Knight and Queen's Champion returns from a long spell of exile to find his native land overrun with evil, intrigue and his young queen grievously ill. Ehlana lies magically entombed within a block of crystal, doomed to die unless a cure can be found within the year.
The final volume in the Tamuli series. The ultimate battle between Blue Rose and Klael must be fought - though Ehlana is held prisoner by the enemy in the Hidden City, defended by Klael. The time for strategy and hope is past.
The beleaguered Tamul Emperor Sarabian needs his Elenian neighbours Sparhawk and Queen Ehlana if he is to defeat the vast conspiracy ranged against his ancient power. Most disturbing of all among his enemies are the Shining Ones, luminous beings that kill with a touch.
Now in the final stages of their quest for his son, Garion and his companions travel to Kell to consult the only undamaged copy of the Malloreon Gospels. For centuries the Seers have guarded this book from the Grolims and even had their wizards put a curse on those who tried to enter Kell.
