Because only he can read the magical map, young, weak, and timid Rowan joins six other villagers to climb a mountain and try to restore their water supply, as fears of a dragon and other horrors threaten to drive them back.
Destiny leads Rowan of Rin to make choices which could save a powerful crystal, thereby ensuring the safety of his people and their shore-dwelling allies.
The crystal dims. The chooser is summoned...When the man from the distant land of Maris delivers his mysterious message to the people of Rin, Rowan is shocked to discover what it means to him within hours he is travelling far from home, all the way to the glittering sea, and into the strange world of Maris people. There, caught up in mystery and intrigue, Rowan must try to fulfil an ancient promise. But who can he trust? And is he brave enough to face the terrors ahead?
When a bitter winter threatens starvation to the people of Rin who set out for the coast, Rowan and several others stay behind for various reasons and are led to a startling discovery about their people's past.
Five strange fingers form fate's hand, Each plays its part at fate's command...When his little sister Annad is snatched from Rin by a monstrous flying creature, Rowan must travel to the distant land of Rin's ancient enemies the Zebak, to rescue her. The journey is a perilous one, and Rowan and his companions have only a series of mysterious, riddling prophecies to guide them. At the end of their quest they come upon an even greater mystery, and an even greater mystery, and an extraordinary secret is revealed.