Two peaceful years have passed since the dust settled after the demon uprising. Jarlaxle is made nervous by rumors that circulate among the Menzoberranzan drow. Worried that his allies may be drawn into a civil war between the great houses, he wants to make sure Zaknafein wields weapons that match his brilliant skills, including a particular blade: Khazid'ha. A powerful artifact known as "The Carver" has caused wars, corrupted the souls of its owners and shed a lot, a lot of blood. Despite this - or perhaps precisely for this reason - Jarlaxle and a small band of friends set out on an expedition, searching for the last owner of the sword, Dom'Ville, in the icy north. She may be the key to unlocking Khazid'ha's true potential... and perhaps preventing the slaughter that threatens the entire Underdark. As they explore the Top of the World, Drizzt embarks on a journey of his own - one both physical and spiritual. He wants to introduce his daughter Bree to Supreme Master Kane and introduce him to the practices that have become the core of his beliefs. But having recently returned from a transcendental state, the drow ranger is no longer so sure of his views. He must understand what the future will be like - not only for his family, but perhaps for the entire north of the Forgotten Realms. Two different paths. In one, Jarlaxle and Zaknafein are looking for something that could be salvation for Menzoberranzan. On the other, Drizzt seeks answers that could be the salvation not only for his soul, but for all souls. And whatever the outcome of any of these journeys, the Kingdoms will never be the same.

...