Bair, the progeny of an Elf and a shape-changing Baeran, is cursed with a destiny that he is the Hope of the World--perhaps the long-foretold Rider of the Planes. Unaware of the peril around him, Bair accompanies his friend Aravan on a quest to find the yellow-eyed demon Ydral. But the oracle warns them to be prepared for a time of chaos.