Bearing the Ra'ira, Raithskar's most sacred gemstone, Rikardon and Tarani flee their ruthless enemy across the burning deserts of Gandalara. Protected by the swordsman's mighty warcat Keeshah and the mystic bird Lonna who obeys the illusionist's commands, the two discover the smoldering passion they have long denied. But when Keeshah leaves them to answer his mating instinct in the Valley of the Sha'um, Rikardon and Tarani must risk death in the Well of Darkness to fulfill their destiny.