Amarian and Vancien have to navigate a world where prophecy no longer guides them. Now that Vancien has been resurrected, he and Amarian face an overwhelming threat. For ages, the Chasm has kept the tortured souls who have died serving the foul god of Obsidian. These souls have been lying in wait to destroy anything associated with Kynell, the merciful god of the Prysm. Now their time of waiting is over. The Chasm has been opened, and unless someone stops them, the Chasm's residents will pierce the very heart of Rhyvelad.

Before Amarian and Vancien can contend with the Chasmites, they first have to contend with Corfe, the imposter who believes himself to be an Advocate. He has taken control of the capitol city of Lascombe. So the brothers undertake the journey from the swamps where they have been hiding to the brilliant but degenerate capitol. Along the way, they acquire responsibility for a young fennel and a pack of hungry children. They also encounter old friends, including Sirin the rude munkke-trophe, Gair the long-suffering defector, and Verial the untouchable woman.

But their task is impossible. The Chasmites are led by Zyreio himself, who is determined to have victory over the Prysm god. With the might of Zyreio bearing down on it, Rhyvelad cannot survive without the intercession of Kynell. But what happens when the help of a god makes things worse?