The descendants of the Elven house of Shannara had all completed their quests: Paranor, the Druid's Keep, had been restored; the Elves had been returned to the Four Lands; and Par Ohmsford had found what he believed to be the legendary Sword of Shannara. But their work was not yet done - for Rimmer Dall, the leader of the Shadowen, was determined that the scions of Shannara would not share with each other the knowledge that would end the sickness. Walker Boh, Wren Elessedil and Par would all face terrible opponents before they could discharge the Druid Allanon's tasks ...