Ithilia, land of the five provinces, is prosperous, its people thriving. The only blight in their world is the presence of the Hinterlands-the formidable forest that harbors bloodthirsty creatures and drives its inhabitants mad. The forest protects Ithilia's source of perpetual prosperity, the Well, a chasm of magic.

When summoned to visit the charismatic Lord Aldrich, Lorn learns of a secret task he alone can complete: Enter the Hinterlands, reach the Well, retrieve a fabled magic item, and come back alive. Lorn must use his skills as a hunter to protect himself from certain danger and return to Lord Aldrich. What he discovers will change the five provinces of Ithilia forever.