Moiraine Damodred, Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, has successfully found the Dragon Reborn. Rand al'Thor, however, is not so keen on being part of Tar Valon's plots. Together with the Shienaran Lord Ingtar of house Shinowa and his twenty lances, as well as his friends Mat and Perrin, he leaves Fal Dara to hunt for the stolen Horn of Valere in the south - an ancient artifact that can summon the heroes of legend into battle, to aid the Light in the Final Battle.

Moiraine is left with her Warder, Lan, in the Borderlands to search for clues that can help her piece together the Prophecy of the Dragon. While crossing the border between Arafel and Kandor, however, she and Lan are attacked by a legion of Whitecloaks - a religious order who hold Aes Sedai for servants of the Dark, all and one. Having lost their horses, they are forced to split up.

The next morning, Moiraine finds herself far from the chilly northern summer of Kandor, awakening in a mysterious forest, far too warm to be anywhere near the Borderlands. Determined to find her way back home, she sets out yet again on the same mission she began so many years ago:
Find Rand al'Thor.

And the Light help any who stand in her way...