KHUR is home to nomadic tribes who scoff at borders and live in isolated cities of stone that rise out of the arid desert like islands in the sea. Into this inhospitable land the exiled elven nations have come, driven from their marble halls and green forests by powerful enemies. Uniting around Gilthas, joint ruler now of the Qualinesti and Silvanesti, and his warrior wife Kerianseray the Lioness, the elves coexist uneasily with surrounding tribes under the walls of Khuri-Khan. Chance puts an ancient map in Gilthas's hands. Where the desert meets the mountains appears to lie a secret valley. This misty vale, taboo for centuries, could be the new sanctuary of the elven race. Or will secret forces at work make it their final tomb?