The second adventure in the New York Times-bestselling fantasy trilogy from the legendary million-selling author and creator of Drizzt Do'Urden. Luthien Bedwyr vowed to free his beleaguered land of Eriador from its demonic ruler, Wizard-King Green sparrow. Cloaked in a scarlet cape that renders him invisible and wielding a magical sword, Luthien is known to Eriador's oppressed as the Crimson Shadow. With the rallying support of enslaved humans, defiant peasants, and Fairborn elves, he has forged a path for liberation-raid by insurgent raid. Even with a mighty battle-ready band of stalwart comrades-including Halfling thief Oliver deBurrows; fierce elf warrior Katerin O'Hale; and the ancient and mysterious mage, Brind'Amour-the rebels are fighting an uphill battle against the vile despot's escalating and bloodthirsty army of cyclopean soldiers. Then, Green sparrow makes an unexpected bid for peace. But why would a wizard so cunning and so evil suddenly concede? Though Eriador's slaves see the compromise as cause for celebration, Luthien and Brind'Amour recognize it as a calculated trap. The Crimson Shadow knows in his heart that the war for freedom has only just begun.