Some rise to defy fate. Precious few succeed. Others are changed for better—or worse—in the process.

Eckard, crown prince of Everfont, has defied his father, King Granorg, and fled the city to save his mother from an unknown sickness. Accompanying him is Eltaniel, his younger brother, a cunning yet cold man who believes the ancient people that built Everfont may have the cure. They are joined by Marle, Eckard's betrothed, and Royan, a young man at court. Together, the four intend to traverse the desert beyond Everfont's walls to the Funnel, where they will be taken to new worlds in search of their long-forgotten forefathers.

Meanwhile, Eleanor, the youngest of the three royal children, plays for time. King Granorg intends to send the Seeker after Eckard and Eltaniel in an attempt to stop their efforts and bring them home before harm can befall them. Plans have been set in motion to hinder Everfont's most deadly assassin, and only Eleanor can see it through—but will it be enough? Can Eckard find the cure for his mother's disease before she succumbs? What if the ancient people Eltaniel speaks about aren't even real?

Men will rise. Kings will fall. And the fate of Everfont will be decided by a single, desperate choice.