Shea and Flick Ohmsford have somehow survived the first stage of their quest. With the aid of their childhood friend Menion Leah, and new companions, the dwarf Hendel, Balinor of Callahorn and the elves, Durin and Dayel, they have successfully evaded capture by gnomish warriors, and eluded the Warlock Lords dread Skull Bearers. Shea and Flick Ohmsford have somehow survived the first stage of their quest. With the aid of their childhood friend Menion Leah, and new companions, the dwarf Hendel, Balinor of Callahorn and the elves, Durin and Dayel, they have successfully evaded capture by gnomish warriors, and eluded the Warlock Lords dread Skull Bearers. Now, with Allanon to guide them, the company must continue north, through the vast peaks of the Dragons Teeth Mountains. It is a route fraught with more danger, but the only path to their goal - the druid keep at Paranor, last resting place of Shannaras fabled Sword, the weapon Shea is destined to wield. So continues the epic tale of The Sword of Shannara - a classic of magic, adventure and epic conflict, from one of the worlds greatest living storytellers. The concluding volume, THE SECRET OF THE SWORD is scheduled for May 2004 publication.