Book excerpt: Five hundred years have passed since the Coven used the wild magic to banish the last of the Wraiths and their dark army. In that time, the Lands have prospered, yet the races have withdrawn to the forests, mountains, and cities. The Wraiths have returned, seeking vengeance. They hide in the shadows, waiting for the opportune time to strike at the heart of the Coven and destroy all hope for the Lands. The Wraiths have a far more insidious plan, and once in motion, nothing will stop them from dominating the Lands. Hidden deep in the Anis Fens, though, is the Catstaff. A legendary weapon of magic, it is the only hope to destroy the Wraiths. Melkoff the Traveler, a lowly messenger of the Coven, must find the Catstaff before it is too late. The Wraiths are after him, and are far more dangerous than before. With only a handful of companions, Melkoff travels into the most dangerous parts of the Lands to uncover the secrets of the Catstaff and Shadekeep.