The elf Galadriel leads her men to the ends of the earth in search of proof that an ancient evil is not, in truth, gone from Middle Earth – putting her at odds with her people. When the elves are called home from their sentry posts Arondir makes a disturbing discovery, and the Harfoot girl Nori wonders about life beyond the borders of her community.
While Galadriel struggles for her survival adrift at sea, Elrond receives a cold welcome from an old friend among the Dwarves. Arondir and Bronwyn find a dark secret, and Nori tries to help a stranger.
Arondir finds himself a captive of the Orcs, while Galadriel and Halbrand arrive in the westernmost kingdom of men. With the Harfoots preparing to migrate, Nori's family worries that they will be unable to keep up.
Galadriel challenges Queen Regent Miriel's leadership of Numenor, while Elrond makes an unsettling discovery. Elsewhere young Isildur defies his father's wishes for his future, and Arondir comes face-to-face with the Orcs' ruthless leader.
While the Harfoots continue their migration, Nori sees the real danger of the stranger who fell from the sky. Bronwyn and Arondir try to rally the Southlanders to fight, and Galadriel prepares the men of Numenor to go to war.
Galadriel and the Southlanders seek safety after a great cataclysm. Durin is torn between his father and his friend when Elrond makes a plea to the Dwarven king, and the Harfoots part ways with the stranger.
Nori and her people risk their lives to try and help the stranger. Galadriel brings Halbrand to the Elven city of Lindon to save his life, while Celebrimbor and Elrond desperately search for a way to use mithril to save the Elves.