The original Ramayana was written in Sanskrit by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki, possibly as long ago as 2,000 B.C. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok Banker has recreated this magnificent tale for a global audience. In the ancient city of Ayodhya, a young prince had a terrifying apocalyptic vision. Soon after, an ancient seer arrived at the city gates, proclaiming an equally horrifying prophecy. Thus did this age raise two extraordinary men, with linked destinies. These men strove together to avert the city of Mithila's impending doom, a fight against dark forces that would take them to the ends of the earth. The latest climactic volume of the Ramayana sees the world rushing towards a future in darkness, and as annihilation looms even heroes may fail .