Under cover of darkness, Will's party of five set out on a quest to infiltrate the Rust Mountains and slay the calamitous elder dragon Valacirca, bringer of war and transgressor upon the dwarves' former home.

Their course takes the Faraway Paladin through the ruined city where he was raised. As his party learns of his surprising connection to great heroes of old, Will hopes to reunite with his grandfather, share his successes, and receive advice on how to deal with the terrifying threat.

Knowing the odds are against them yet emboldened by each other's bravery, Will, Menel, Reystov, and the dwarves Vindalfr and Ghelreis gear up for the task ahead, tell tales of the heroes who preceded them, and embark on a perilous journey through uncharted land...