Book excerpt: The Heroes of the Heap continue to contend with the evil unleashed across the face of Tellus. The ancient barghest Old Shuck resumes his hunt for the magical shards of an artifact that can rid him of the silver curse. Ozark the warlock is obsessed with destroying his doppleganger while tasked by his infernal patron to recover a monster of legend. The elemental Klaia and the dark druids of Cul Grey march on Druidhenge as they spread the dreaded Blight. Former Bandit King Alexandro uses his considerable guile to reconstruct the Crossroads while his alter ego works to destroy it. Crullak, Alaurel, Omar, Skullgrin, Box and Mik find their destinies intertwined once more in order to either save Tellus or destroy it.