The spellbinding sequel to the prizewinning novel The Ropemaker.Once the twenty-four most powerful magicians in the Empire pledged to use their magic only to protect the people. But the promise that bound them has now corrupted them. They have become a single, terrible entity with a limitless desire for domination. Only the Ropemaker may be able to stop them, but he has not been seen for more than two hundred years. Into this dangerous world come Saranja, Maja, and Ribek. They seek the Ropemaker so that he might restore the ancient magic that protects their Valley. It is the task they were born to, but now it seems there is far more than the Valley at stake should they fail. . . .★ “The complex, multilayered story includes more heady explorations of magic, joined here by thoughts on the meaning of true love. This is sure to be a hit with fans of [The Ropemaker].”—Booklist, StarredA Kirkus Reviews Best Book for Young AdultsA USBBY-CBC Outstanding International Book