It continues after the events of The Forests of Silence, as the three protagonists brave various dangers on their journey to find the seven missing gems of Deltora.

They learn that the land surrounding the Lake of Tears is controlled by the evil sorceress Thaegan, who has 13 monster children.

As the companions travel through the countryside they rescue a man named Manus from the Shadow Lord's servants, Grey Guards.

Lief, Barda, and Jasmine also learn that Thaegan put a spell on the city of D'Or and turned it into the Lake of Tears.

All of Thaegan's spells are broken: the Ralads can now speak and the Lake of Tears turns back into the city of D'Or.