After the Elf princess Amberle wins the right to be one of the Chosen, the King learns that the sacred Ellcrys tree is dying -- and the whole of the Four Lands will be threatened by a horde of demons emerging from captivity in another realm. Elsewhere, a half-elf boy named Wil sets out on an adventure greater than he can yet understand.
Allanon brings Wil to the ancient Druid keep in hopes of finding a way to save the Ellcrys, pointing them to Princess Amberle -- who has fled from her home to visit an old friend. The Elf castle is attacked by a Changeling, and the young Eretria makes a deal to gain her freedom from her father.
With Allanon gravely injured Wil and Amberle search for a way to save him, only to find themselves captured by Eretria and the Rovers -- while a bloodthirsty Fury stalks them.
Amberle emerges from the Ellcrys after a dangerous trial, unaware that a Changeling -- an ancient, shape-shifting demon -- has infiltrated the Elven kingdom and intends to assassinate her. Meanwhile Eretria sneaks into Arborlon with the task of retrieving the Elfstones.
Amberle finds herself a captive of the cutthroat Rovers after they attack her party on the road, pushing Eretria to choose her loyalties. Hoping to scout out the Dagda Mor's stronghold, Ander turns to the gnome who murdered his brother. Elsewhere, Allanon tries to help the seer Bandon gain some control over his power.
Amberle and Wil's expedition seeks shelter in an old Elvin military outpost, where only the former torture master and a young girl now dwell. Ander and Slanter run into trouble on their journey, and the King sends Arion on a quest that will set him against Allanon.
While Eretria and Amberle seek refuge from a band of bloodthirsty Elf Hunters, Wil joins forces with one of the group's prior victims to track down his friends. Allanon tries to regain his strength using Druid magic, and back in Arborlon the King sends his two sons on a dangerous mission.
Wil and Amberle search Troll-controlled lands for Eretria, who has been sold to a secret settlement of humans called Utopia. When their leader tries to convince Eretria that she belongs with them, she must decide where her loyalties lie.
Wil, Amberle, and Eretria discover Safehold in the midst of the ancient ruins of a human city, and must put their lives on the line to complete their quest. In Arborlon Bandon struggles against the Dagda Mor's influence, while Ander must secure his new position against an internal coup.
With the Dagda Mor's army closing in on the Elvin city, Wil and Amberle rush to Arborlon in hopes of restoring the Ellcyrs -- though Amberle knows that it will come at great cost. Meanwhile Bandon escapes his captivity, and Allanon and Ander lead their allies against the approaching horde.
