"The crystal shard was not content with an existence in a desolate mountain range... It wanted more. It wanted power."

Akar Kessell has set in motion events that will lead to the rediscovery of the crystal shard, a magical device that may be powerful enough to bring about the destruction of Ten-Towns.

Meanwhile, the barbarians are also planning to attack Ten-Towns, and their brutal assault on the villages seals their fate and that of Wulfgar. Wulfgar, a young barbarian, proves himself to be a mighty warrior among his race - one with the power to reshape this harsh region of the Forgotten Realms. But, even with the help of the dark elf Drizzt and Bruenor the dwarf, is he strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? and will the people of Ten-Towns put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the mysterious forces of the crystal shard?

"Yer eyes'll shine when ye see rivers runnin' silver in Mithril Hall!"

Bruenor the dwarf, Wulfgar the barbarian, Regis the halfling, and Drizzt the dark elf fight monsters and magic on their way to Mithril Hall, centuries - old birthplace of Bruenor and his dwarven ancestors.

Faced with racism, Drizzt contemplates returning to the lightless underworld city and murderous lifestyle he abandoned. Wulfgar begins to overcome his tribe's aversion to magic. And Regis runs from a deadly assassin, who, allied with evil wizards, is bent on the companions' destruction. All of Bruenor's dreams, and the survival of his party, hinge upon the actions of one brave young woman.

Assassin Artemis Entreri wisks his kidnapped victim, Regis the halfling. south to Calimport and into Pasha Pook's vengeful hands. If Pook can control the magical panther Guenhwyvar, Regis will die in a real game of cat and mouse.

Using an enchanted mask, dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden hides his heritage and races with the barbarian Wulfgar to save their light-fingered friend. An unexpected ally arrives just as Entreri springs a trap. But can Regis survive unscathed?

The companions from Icewind Dale battle pirates on the famed Sword Coast, brave the deserts of Calimsham, and fight monsters from other planes to rescue their friend... and themselves.