The long-awaited prequel to The Dragonbone Chair. Among the immortal Sithi of Osten Ard, none are more beloved and admired than the two sons of the ruling family, steady Hakatri and his proud and fiery younger brother Ineluki - Ineluki, who will one day become the undead Storm King. But when Ineluki makes a bold, terrible oath that he will destroy Hidohebhi, a terrifying monster, he drags Hatraki into a disaster that threatens not just their family but all the Sithi - and perhaps all of humankind as well . . . Set a thousand years before The Dragonbone Chair, the story is told by Pamon Kes, Hatraki's faithful servant.A member of the enslaved Changeling race, he must face the terrible black dragon at his master's side, and see his own life changed forever by Ineluki's selfish promise. PRAISE FOR TAD WILLIAMS'One of my favourite fantasy series' George R.R. Martin'Ground-breaking' Patrick Rothfuss'An essential part of any science fiction and fantasy library' Christopher Paolini