In thd cold mountains of the north, the Kotaishi has been found. Yet, the struggle is only just beginning. The Kotaishi, crossing the length and breadth of Tonogato, eluding enemies while trying to keep a small band of supporters together, wrestles with both the realities of power and the frailities of human feelings while combating the seeing influence of the Darkness.

Even as the Kotaishi attempts to undo what the Darkness has wrought, an even more insidiouis comflict erupts within the palace of Zaitan in Tejinashi. A new Kotanjin, leader of the magicians, must be chosen and the maneuvering factions hurtle toward self-destruction in the struggle for dominance.

The fates of both Kotaishi and Kotanjin are linked--their joint destiny buried far below the sands of the Sabakushi desert in a city long forgotten. For in that city lies the key that could lock away the Darkness forever.