he battle has raged for nearly 800 years, triggered by an act of appalling treachery and dividing a betrayed people one against the other. The shadows of the Darkening have plagued the hopes of the survivors ever since. Even now, the Cryptics scour the land, in search of the remnants of a forgotten age of justice, and seeking to extinguish once and for all the last flame of peace.

Each Cryptic is a master of sorcerous and foul energies. The origin of their power is unknown, but whatever feeds their rapacity gives them dominion over sometimes vast armies of lethal minons. Even His Majesty’s finest knights scatter at the first sign of a Cryptic’s presence, leaving none to defend the innocent against legions that leave only destruction and suffering in their wake.

Yet hope remains. The six legendary Ajan Treasures have somehow eluded the grasp of the Cryptic Sai Magnen, who has pursued them to the desolate wastes known as the Chaer Shales. It is here, in the blackened and scorched Isian Badlands that the outcome of eight centuries of conflict may turn. The keepers of the Ajan Treasures must now face their greatest test. Jessica Hoshi and the Ajan Warriors must face the Fury of the Venom Legion.