The ongoing saga of Valdemar enters a new era with this epic trilogy, from the New York Times bestselling author and Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Beloved legend-in-his-own-mind Kelvren, a true luminary among gryphons, leads an air force of foreign agents and a flotilla of craft into the mystery of Lake Evendim's storm-sieged center.  The second explosion of the Cataclysm occurred there, but why was it less destructive than the first one?  Kelvren and old friend Firesong think the answers will also explain the surge of otherworldy, deadly creatures bringing lethal chaos to Valdemar.  Displaced allies and shocking truths are discovered among the Lake's horrors and twisted islands tortured by magic's fury!