The spectacular final volume of T. A. Barron's bestselling trilogy combines gripping adventure with profound ideas about the powerful connections between humanity and the world. Avalon, the great tree world connecting the earth and the heavens, is about to be destroyed. The warlord Rhita Gawr is bent on conquest—and using an army of deathless warriors, a corrupted crystal, and a plague of arrogance and greed to succeed.  Three unlikely heroes are Avalon's only hope. Tamwyn, the wilderness guide, must travel the secret pathway to the stars. Elli, the brave young priestess, must defeat a terrible sorcerer in a realm of utter darkness. And Scree, the eagleman, must lead his winged people to do what seems impossible . . . “A novel rich with magic.” — The New York Times Book Review “Brilliant first volume . . . an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.” — Lloyd Alexander , Newbery Medal–winning author of The Chronicles of Prydain “An extraordinary journey of mind, body, and spirit, for both Merlin and ourselves.” — Madeleine L’Engle , author of A Wrinkle in Time , and winner of the Newbery Medal “Fans who have followed young Merlin through his many adventures will still enjoy trekking with him.” — The Horn Book T.A. Barron is the award-winning author of fantasy novels such as The Lost Years of Merlin epic—soon to be a major motion picture. He serves on a variety of environmental and educational boards including The Nature Conservancy and The Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, and is the founder of a national award for heroic children. Following a life-changing decision to leave a successful business career to write full-time in 1990, Barron has written seventeen books, but is happiest when on the mountain trails with his wife, Currie, and their five children.