Drizzt continues his self-imposed exile from his home of Menzoberranzan. Still living with Belwar Dissengulp in Blingenstone, he is eventually cast out of the city because of the gnome king's fears for his people's safety. Belwar accompanies Drizzt as they fight to survive in the wilds of the Underdark. Unknown to them both, Malice has sent a spirit-wraith after Drizzt to kill him and regain Lolth's favor. Zaknafein, his own father, has been risen from the grave and turned into a mindless zombie and searches the cavern's for Drizzt.