The black sword Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom, has been stolen by the Death Lord Arawn. The greatest battle in the history of Prydain has begun. Taran joins the war leaders as Prince Gwydion asks him to raise an army to march against Arawn's terrible warriors. Friends both old and new are willing to fight by his side, and the companions must stand strong as they battle through a frozen wasteland to Arawn's stronghold, Mount Dragon. A deadly confrontation awaits them there, and Taran's true destiny will at last be fulfilled. The High King is the final thrilling climax in Lloyd Alexander's classic fantasy epic The Chronicles of Prydain .