In the Third Age, an age of prophecy when the world and time themselves hang in the balance, the Dark One, imprisoned by the Creator, is stirring in Shayol Ghul. The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs-- a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts-- five villagers flee...

Fleeing from Ebou Dar, Mat Cauthon learns that he can neither keep his betrothed nor let her go. Perrin Aybara seeks to free his wife, Faile, a captive of the Shaido, but his only hope may be an alliance with the enemy. At Tar Valon, Egwene al'Vere, the young Amyrlin of the rebel Aes Sedai, lays siege to the heart of Aes Sedai power, but she must win quickly. In Andor, Elayne Trakland fights for the Lion Throne that is hers by right, but enemies and...