Book 2 of the Tales of the Northern Kingdoms series

After the evacuation of the East, King Oliver sealed off what little was left of the land in a desperate attempt to keep the Shades confined. The ship of mages from the southern continent arrives to help in any way they can, and discover an ancient ritual to release trapped souls from the magic controlling them. Prince Michael is still tracking the man behind the chaos, and his search leads him to a hidden village of mages deep in the Northern Mountains who are rather reluctant to help.

Meanwhile, the political situation in the elven republic to the west takes a turn for the worst when the charismatic but dangerous Councillor Nightbreeze becomes Archon. His promises of elven glory and power come at a terrible price, one that perhaps nobody should have to pay.