At the center of the forest lies the sacred wood of Ystrac, god of the wilderness and the wild terror of hunted things. None can walk the path without knowing that terror. But through the sacred wood runs the a road hung with lanterns dedicated to Talesyn, the god of poets and fire – and in the ever-burning flame of his lanterns, travelers are granted a brief respite from fear. Two people meet at the boundary marker. One is dedicated to the god of the wood, charged to face what the forest holds and open her heart to it joyfully. The other is dedicated to the god of the flame, and he has come to tend the lanterns and ensure their flames burn bright for years to come, no matter what he must sacrifice to do it. The fear presses close on every side – but there is a job to do, a path to walk, and a friend to guide the way.