The witch Sheba has spoken, and Rowan knows he has no choice but to obey. The coldest winter in living memory is destroying the people of Rin, and he must do what he can to save them. But Sheba'smysterious rhyme speaks of sacrifice, and Rowan is very afraid ashe sets out on the most terrifying quest of his life. her final words ringing in his ears. "Only you can do what must be done...everything you have learned until now has been preparation for this moment."