To prevent the Shadowen from destroying all life in the Four Lands, Allanon's spirit orders the scions of Shannara to perform manifestly immpossible tasks.

Together, Ament, two young Trackers, and a daring Elf princess must defend their ancestral home. But suspicion and hostility among their countrymen threaten to doom their efforts from within. Meanwhile, beyond the breached borders, a ruthless Troll army masses for invasion. And in the thick of it all, the last wielder of the black staff and its awesome magic must find a successor to carry on the fight against the cresting new wave of evil.