Book summary

The lighthearted dialogue and high fantasy of the Malloreon continue in its fourth installment. King Belgarion of Riva (known as Garion to his friends) and his companions continue to travel deep into the heart of the vast empire of Mallorea, searching for clues that will indicate the location for their destined confrontation with Zandramas, the evil sorceress/dark priestess who kidnapped Garion's young son Prince Geran. One such clue provides Garion with some truly terrible news: he may have to kill his son in order to save the universe.