Six months after the events of The Summer Tree, Jennifer return to Fionavar with Paul and gives birth to Maugrim's son, Darien. She leaves her son with Shahar and Vae before going back to her world. Months later, Dave, Kevin, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Paul reunite in Fionavar to find the world in extreme winter.
Darien has been growing supernaturally fast. He possesses powers just like his father, Maugrim. Darien's eyes turn red whenever he channels his powers. Paul stays with him as the others embark on a journey to find the cause of the winter. The company discovers that the first seer of Brennin, Metran is the one causing the brutal winter. Kevin makes a sacrifice, causing the winter to end.
As soon as the winter stops, the company is attacked by the army of the dark. Chaos ensues and many soldiers on both sides perish. In the meantime, Darien has already grown into a powerful young man. After overhearing his caretakers speak ill of him, he disappears. Darien sets on a journey to find his father, hoping that Maugrim may accept him with open arms.
