Ryson Acumen is shown a secret caught within the history of the Sword of Decree. Unable to restrain his curiosity, he explores Dark Spruce Forest in hopes of finding additional clues regarding the mystery of the blade's enchantment. While he is gone, an army of goblins enters the land of Uton and threatens his home.

When he returns from the forest, he realizes the secret of the sword was nothing more than an illusion meant to distract him. The treachery runs deep and jeopardizes more than just his life. The entire scheme is focused on destroying all hope across the land. His friends are threatened, and even the spirit of Sy Fenden faces absolute destruction. Realizing that escape is impossible, Ryson turns to an unexpected guardian and forces a confrontation with the spell caster who orchestrated the deception.