As Kuran gains more and more power for himself and increases the size of his army, Tag and the other members of the resistance begin to liberate conquered towns and cities. In doing so they start to add numbers to their forces in an attempt to prepare for the coming war.Meanwhile, Willow, Shalah, and the twins - Brass and Brandt - scheme with the island natives of Gahkul to overthrow the forces of Thrall along with the deadly firemancers occupying Shalah's former homeland. They are about to set in motion a daring plan which relies on Brass and Brandt's newly discovered secret.But before he can have even hope at victory, Tag must go to the ruined city of Pershin and meet the fabled Forge Master. Who is this figure and what does he want? And is there something Tag must do there beyond the re-forging of his blade?