Young Penderrin Ohmsford is charged with the daunting task of rescuing his aunt Grianne,Ard Rhys of the Druid order, from her forced exile in the terrifying dimension of the Forbidding, Though Pen enlists the support of the noble dwarf Tagwen and the prodigal riven princess Khyber Elessedil, the mission will not be without risk.., or sacrifice. For the ruthless Druid Shadea a'Ru has sent her agents and assassins in relentless pursuit of Pen and his comracdes. It Pen tails, Shactea's dommation ot the Four Lands will be assured. When Pen's parents fall into Shadea's hands, the task grows even more dire. Yet all challenges pale in comparison to the horrors that wait inside the Forbidding--horrors poised to break tree upon the Four Lands when the time is right.