The third volume in this huge new fantasy in the tradition of Frank Herbert's phenomenal DUNE series. Ever since the V'ornn invasion the oppressed Kundalan have been dwindling in strength. Their religion is dying, their magic fading and their goddess all but forgotten. Only the fabled and long-awaited Dar Sala-at can find the long-lost, all-powerful Pearl and save them from extinction. Riane, the newly incarnated Dar Sala-at, has been led to believe by prophecy that the Pearl lies behind the Storehouse door. Having already failed to gain access through the Ring of Five Dragons, and beset by enemies on all sides, Riane finally manages to enter the Storehouse -- but in a way she would never have thought possible, and with entirely unpredicted results. Meanwhile the sinister Sauromicians are plotting to make Riane's path more torturous than ever. Having come into possession of nine ancient banestones as a result of an important alliance, they have used these mysterious and magical objects to imprison a sacred dragon. Before Riane can discover the Pearl she must find Seelin, the Dragon of Transformation, and free her from the cage of nine banestones.