Great ships of war have sailed in from an unknown power in the west. Defense of Obann's coasts seems futile. But can an ancient artifact, with unknown powers, provide a defense-or will it destroy those who try to use it?

"Not by sword or spear" will the city of Durmurot be saved-such is the warning of a messenger from Heaven. Jack and Ellayne, King Ryons and his chieftains, an admiral who dares to resist a tyrant and his false god-all will find their faith tested to the limit... by a weapon left over from the Day of Fire.