A year has passed since the defeat of Clint Starnor. While Walter is eager for the chance to pursue a Proving Quest and knighthood, Aaron still questions whether he wishes to do the same. But there seem to be more important questions that need answering. Wildfires have been plaguing Arualia for the last year. While most would blame it on the hot dry weather, the Knights of the Order of the Roses suspect there is something more sinister behind them. Then there are Aaron's dreams. Dreams of fire chasing him through hallways and tunnels. The fires seem to be following them - as does the woman's voice that mocks them from the flames. A voice that haunts the edge of Walter's memory. And then a mysterious librarian reveals a startling secret about Aaron's sword. Trapped on an unfamiliar mountainside, the children find themselves at the whims and mercies of a fire-wielding witch. They must enter a desperate search to the heart of the mountain to find the secret of Aaron's sword before the witch claims the sword's power for herself - a power that could destroy the world.