A Darkness at Sethanon

Lore & Background

A central element of this arc is the manipulation of the arcane and the political to serve a darker master. The Tsurani, having suffered defeats on the front lines, turn their attention to undermining the morale and unity of the human defenders. This book delves into the psychological toll of war, showing how fear can be weaponized to fracture alliances before a single sword is drawn in the capital.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the cobblestones of Sethanon, reflecting the flickering torchlight that seemed too dim against the encroaching night. In the quiet corridors of the palace, shadows moved with a purpose that unsettled even the seasoned guards. A whisper passed from one noble to another, carrying seeds of doubt about the loyalty of their allies across the rift. The air grew heavy, not just with humidity, but with the palpable weight of a conspiracy waiting to bloom. Somewhere in the darkness, eyes watched, calculating the precise moment when the city's defenses would crumble from within.

Reader's Guide

A Darkness at Sethanon picks up shortly after the initial invasion forces have been repelled or are being contained on the front lines. The plot shifts focus entirely to Krondor, where the human leadership must navigate a treacherous political landscape while the Tsurani attempt to sabotage their efforts through espionage and magical subterfuge. The primary conflict resolves around exposing and neutralizing these internal threats before they can cause a catastrophic collapse of the defense. Major characters face personal trials as trust is eroded by deception, forcing them to rely on intuition and hidden alliances rather than open command structures. This book advances the overarching saga by demonstrating that the war cannot be won solely through military might. It establishes the necessity for magical vigilance and political unity, setting the stage for the more desperate battles that will define the conclusion of the Riftwar.

Did You Know?

• The title refers to the specific district or atmosphere within Krondor where the most dangerous conspiracies take root.
• This book introduces deeper layers to the Tsurani sorcery, showing their ability to influence human minds and politics without direct combat.
• It serves as a critical character study for several key figures who must choose between personal safety and the greater good of the realm.

The Genesis of Midkemia

America's Raymond E. Feist created this fantasy epic, launching the vast Riftwar Cycle with Magician in 1982. Born from a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, the story leaned on M.A.R. Barker's Tekumel setting—Feist only learned of that influence later. He borrowed directly from that world: the Tsurani Empire, their lack of horses and metals, and a tangled web of gods. Readers met Midkemia through Pug, an orphan whose magic linked two worlds. Early editors cut his original manuscript, but the book's lasting success prompted U.S. publishers to split it into two restored volumes, launching Feist's long career.

The ConDoin Brothers and Royal Duty

Central to the saga's political and personal drama are the conDoin brothers, Lyam and Arutha, sons of Duke Borric of Crydee. While Lyam was long believed to be the eldest heir until his father acknowledged Martin Longbow on his deathbed, he remains a Prince of the Realm from birth. Known for his rebellious nature during childhood, Lyam required frequent punishment for rule-breaking despite being tutored by distinguished mentors like Father Tully and Swordmaster Fannon. In contrast, his younger brother Arutha is characterized by darker moods and a less likable demeanor compared to his sibling. As a younger son with no expectation of the throne, Arutha was destined for military service or a minor earldom. However, his profound respect for the magician Kulgan shaped his future leadership style; he later insisted on having a magical advisor just as his father had done. Their shared upbringing and training prepared them for the immense challenges they would face, from saving Princess Anita to leading forces against ancient evils.

The Rise of Pug and Macros

The narrative arc of The Riftwar Saga is anchored by the extraordinary growth of two magicians: Pug and Macros the Black. Pug, an orphan from Crydee and childhood friend of Tomas, begins as Kulgan's apprentice before being captured and transported to Kelewan. There, he evolves from a slave into a powerful Black Robe magician, eventually mastering abilities that transcend traditional magical paths. By the saga's conclusion, Macros reveals that Pug is neither strictly Lesser nor Greater Path but a true Sorcerer, matching his own limitless potential. Macros himself resides on the treacherous Sorcerer's Isle and serves as the most knowledgeable mage in both Midkemia and Kelewan. Unlike others bound by specific magical disciplines, he follows all paths and possesses the ability to see the future, though he claims to be constrained by a defined role in the cosmic order. In A Darkness at Sethanon, Macros recounts his autobiography, revealing origins on a distant planet and an existence spanning time immemorial, while guiding Pug toward their ultimate confrontation with Chaos.

The Final Battle for Existence

A Darkness at Sethanon serves as the climactic conclusion to The Riftwar Saga, released in 1986. In this final installment, the forces of Order face a desperate struggle against rising dark legions intent on enslaving the Kingdom of the Isles through dire magics. The narrative follows Pug and his companion Tomas, the Half-Valheru, as they embark on a perilous quest to the dawn of time itself. Their mission is to grapple with an ancient and terrible Enemy within the ruins of Sethanon, where the final battle between Order and Chaos will determine the fate of a thousand worlds. This epic confrontation brings together key figures like Arutha conDoin, who has transitioned from a reluctant prince to a central protagonist fighting alongside the magicians. The story resolves the long-standing tension introduced in Magician regarding the rift in space-time, offering a definitive resolution to the age-old conflict while setting the stage for future adventures in Feist's expansive universe.