Note: Direct sequel to first book in series, Castle of Deception.

Synopsis: From the back cover of the Baen first edition: "The prodigal's unwilling return - The Dark Elf Naitachal once a Necromancer who gained power by depriving others of their life forces, is now happy in the more peaceful role of Bard. But shadows from his past linger. Naitachal's Dark Elf clan sees him as the worst of traitors for daring to turn towards the light. They mean to take revenge. They create a trap, the Chaos Gate, a sorcerous portal that is meant to draw him into their lands and into their power. Only Kevin, once Naitachal's apprentice, now a full Bard and Count in his own castle, stands between the Dark Elf and certain doom. But can even the powers of Bardic Magic b enough to vanquish the Darkness?"