Under cover of night, Will and his party set out on a quest to slay the calamitous elder dragon Valacirca, bringer of war and transgressor upon the dwarves' former home. Before they can vanquish the ancient beast, however, they must survive the journey to the Rust Mountains where it dwells. The way is long and fraught with dangers both anticipated and unexpected. But even with the odds against them, Will, Menel, Reystov, Al, and Ghelreis venture forth, emboldened by each other's bravery-for where there is darkness, there may always yet be light. Collects the complete volume 9-10.