The group fights for their lives against an awakening evil in the forests outside of Kortirion. Okrin hopes to reach the “ancient city on a leaguered hill” before the Man in Black can defile its towers, its libraries, or its caretaker – Meril-i-Turinqi – the Lady of the Isle.

Making their way from Avallónë, the group sees the effect the shadow has had on the land. They encounter evil and undeath along their route to The Cottage of Lost Play.