[VoraciousReader]

We begin in Riva, on the Isle of the Winds.

Riva is named after its first ruler, Riva Iron-grip, the youngest son of Cherek Bear-shoulders, and first Guardian of the Orb of Aldur. The Citadel at Riva was specifically designed by Belgarath, protect the Orb. Riva itself is half city, half fortress, inaccessible except by one seaport. Its grey-clad residents never forget that the first duty of their king and of each citizen is to protect the Orb and the line of Iron-grip.

Somehow, in this citadel of a city, evil has found a foothold. Belgarion's young son Geran, the hereditary defender of the Orb and last descendant of the line of Iron-grip, is missing...kidnapped by the Followers of Dark.

There is only one explanation.

Someone trusted by King Belgarion and Queen Ce'Nedra is a traitor. There may be one or several, but even among their closest companions, Evil must be lurking. King Belgarion has ordered the port closed. None may enter or leave the city. The Forces of Dark are, for the moment, trapped within the confines of Riva.

Light has quietly gathered to Garion's side. But, fearing the traitors lurking in their midst, those with special abilities have disguised themselves to appear as ordinary grey-cloaked Rivans. No one is above suspicion. And as time passes, King Belgarion and Queen Ce'Nedra grow ever more desperate. Desperate monarchs have been known to take drastic measures...with unfortunate results.

It is now...

DAY.