Escorted by soldiers of Ends, Lashlor sets out to find an old flame, Rune Arcana, the only person who can help to remove the curse placed on the Queen of Ends. Lashlor believes that Rune currently resides in the Mountains of Eclador a place from which no one has returned in all of recorded history. She could refuse his request. She could be dead. Lashlor and his companions could meet the same fate.
If they do not brave the mountains, however, Queen Narraki will remain in the form of a rabid creature of darkness forever.
Forever is a long time, and King Lanaran fears the Wizard of Ends will not return. Ignoring Lashlor's advice not to meddle with the curse, the king employs other magic users to attempt to undo the dark magic.