Braenlicach

Mrillis and Ceera admit their love for each other while battling plagues with the aid of the Zygradon. An enemy kills several of the Zygradon's makers, trying to usurp their links to the bowl. They are unsure if the Nameless One has survived, or someone else has taken his power. Triska, Endor's sister, is Ceera's heir as Queen of Snows, but becomes arrogant and temperamental.

The Noveni and Rey'kil alliance decides to destroy Flintan, to cripple the Encindi attacks. The attempt drains power from the Threads and brings desperate refugees to both continents. During another star-shower, Ceera has a vision of the star-metal sword. She brings together the surviving makers of the Zygradon to forge the sword, Braenlicach.

The makers of the sword and bowl have children, who inherit their parents' links with the magical objects. The conflict with Triska grows, and Endor is accused of more treachery. Then Endor and Triska vanish, proving true all the accusations against them.

Uneasy years of peace pass, as the next generation grows up. Athrar is Warhawk. Ceera and Mrillis have a daughter, Emrillian. Plagues return, and the next generation take Zygradon out to heal their land. They are betrayed from within. Traitors within the Stronghold attack, leaving Ceera wounded and helpless. Emrillian hides the Zygradon to protect it, and is killed by Endor. Her death kills Ceera.

Mrillis takes his life into his hands to hunt Endor and end the threat he poses to the world. He wins the battle, but when he recovers, he learns that his world has changed. Athrar's family has been murdered, leaving only his younger son, Efrin, depending on Mrillis to teach him how to be High King.