A conversation between the Druid Walker Boh and the Shade of Allanon that was edited from Ilse Witch was published as part of Unfettered, a collection of fantasy short stories.

Set 130 years after the events of the Heritage of Shannara series, the Free-born and the Federation are still at war.

Thirty years before the story begins, the Elven prince Kael Elessedil led an expedition in search of a legendary magic which was said to be the most ancient and powerful in the world.

But there is another: the Ilse Witch, a beautiful but twisted young woman who is as practiced in magic as Walker himself.

The company chosen by Walker must fly into the face of unknown terrors while the Ilse Witch and her dark allies pursue.