The second volume in Raymond E. Feist's first classic fantasy trilogy, the highly acclaimed Riftwar Saga. For nearly a year peace reigned in the enchanted kingdom of Rillanon. But new challenges awaited Arutha, the Prince of Krondor, when Jimmy the Hand -- the youngest thief in the Guild of Mockers -- came upon a sinister Nighthawk poised to assassinate him. What evil power raises the dead and makes corpses do battle with the living at the behest of the Guild of Death? And what high magic can defeat it? The new King of Midkemia is threatened -- and a life-or-death quest must be undertaken for an antidote to a poison that fells a beautiful princess on her wedding day!