Many thousands of years ago, two prophecies came into being - and a moment was fixed, when only one would determine the future. This moment - a clash between the maimed god Torak and the descendant of the Rivan king, is approaching. Garion, brought up as a farm lad but now beginning to understand the extent of his part in the prophecy, and working hard to control his sorcerous power, is travelling towards this meeting in a sinister tower where the evil god lies sleeping. With him is the wise sorcerer Belgarath. And Ce'Nedra - a wilful young princess who refuses to believe in sorcery. But is terrified that Garion will die in the coming confrontation.