Xena and Gabrielle are called by magic to the strange and mysterious land of Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar. The duo team up with old and new acquaintances to solve a mystery and fight a unknown darkness that has it out for the Heralds and Mages alike.

Illusia never happened because Gabrielle never woke up in time to pull Xena down with her. Gabrielle survives but Xena doesn't know that. When they finally meet again, how can they fix their friendship after Xena almost killed her best friend? The beginning of this story is mostly about Gabrielle and her feelings but eventually Xena will be sharing the spotlight with her.