After the terrifying incident at Soaring Woodhelvin* , it turns out that Thomas Covenant was right in the land afterall! Feeling like a bit of jerk because of the above mentioned incident**, Baradakas feels compelled to give Thomas Covenant an extra staff he's been working on. The Woodhelvin give Atrium directions to the Council of the Lords and the next morning, they resume their quest.

Starting the day's journey at lope, Atrium begins to hiss with anticipation when she realizes that they are in time for the Banas Nimoram, the Celebration of Spring and that they will soon see the dance of the Wraiths of Andelain.

Atrium and Thomas Covenant watch the dance only to realize to their HORROR that an undetermined black mass is swallowing up the tiny dancing wraiths and they are the only ones that can stop this impending tragedy!!!