Horror stalks the Four Lands. The Ildatch, ancient source of evil, has stirred to life. It sends its foul Mord Wraiths to make war on all living things and bring about, at last, Mankind's destruction. Once again Allanon, Druid Protector of the Races, must seek the help of a descendant of the Elven King, Jerle Shannara. 
 
Brin, daughter of Wil Ohmsford, has been born with the magic of the Wishsong, which alone can open a way to the Ildatch. Reluctantly, she joins Allanon on his perilous journey east. 
 
Meanwhile her younger brother, Jair, learns that Brin will fail and die unless he can reach her in time. As Brin walks blindly into the trap the Ildatch has set, Jair's only hope of reaching her in time is to travel through the very heart of evil. . .