Behind the iron gates of The Black Fortress, evil gathers its forces, preparing to strike... Three months ago, the horrible news that the Dark Druids captured his beloved pet Gryphon sent thirteen-year-old Jake Everton reeling - especially since he knows he's the one the warlock brotherhood really wants. It's a trap, and poor Red is just the bait. Well aware of the threat, the Elders have forbidden the daring boy hero from taking any action to rescue his faithful companion. Instead, Jake and his friends must cool their heels at the Order's palace headquarters, where they'll be "safe." But treachery stalks the hallowed corridors of Merlin Hall. Palace intrigues abound as a traitor makes a secret pact with the enemy. And when a terrifying prophecy emerges with Jake at the center of it all, the full-scale magical war between good and evil that the Order has long dreaded only needs one spark to explode... (586 pages / 217,622 words)