Domaris, disciple of the Temple of Light, was wrenched from her peaceful life by the arrival of Micon, the Atlantean prince, whose powers over wind and sun, earth and fire, are coveted by the sorcerers of the dark who would harness his gifts for their own evil ends...Soon, out of a tender, earthly passion, would rise forces that might decide the final victory. For soon Domaris would bear Micon a son--but Deoris, her sister, would be enthralled by the forces of darkness.
The half-human idiots were mewling more loudly now, grimacing at her...Deoris looked madly around for a way of escape. To one side, a high wall of needled rock bristled away; to the other a quicksand marsh of reeds and rushes stretched on to the horizon. She was hemmed in.
But how did I come here? Was there a boat?
She spun around, and saw only the empty, rolling sea. She began to run, in terror-stricken panic. Behind her the groping pad-pad-pad of the pursuit was like a merciless incoming tide.
Her feet splashed in the surf as she turned, whirling like a cornered animal. She stumbled, ran on, stumbled again--and fell. She struggled to rise, scratching at the wet sands, clawing to free herself from groping, scrabbling hands. Something hit her hard in the face. Her brain exploded in fire and she sank down... and down... and down...
The young priestess Deoris abandoned all she had once loved to follow the sorceror Riveda. He was a healer, esteemed by the Temple, but he practiced the dark arts in secret. And when his forbidden rites required her, body and soul, Deoris submitted--leaving behind her family, her religion and her pride.But Deoris gave Riveda more than she knew--for when her special powers joined with his, Riveda unleashed forces which would shake the foundations of their world. If Deoris could not learn how to prevent it, Atlantis would fall.
"You must know by now that I am the end of all your paths," Riveda said. "You must know that now, as I have known it for a long time. Deoris, will you come with me--to the Crypt where the God sleeps?"
She caught her hands against her throat. Sacrilege this, for a daughter of Light. And when last she had accompanied Riveda to the Grey Temple, the consequences had been frightening.
Had had commanded, had he pleaded, had he spoken a word of persuasion, Deoris would have fled. But before his silent face she could only say, gravely, I will come."
