and Sybel's books to Coren's home. Sybel plans to start a war between Coren's people in Sirle, who oppose Drede, and Drede. Coren discovers this and is upset with Sybel. The Blammor, whom Sybel held on condition of her fearlessness, comes to Sybel in the night, and she sees in her mind, the Liralen with its neck broken. Sybel flees to the now deserted Eld Mountain and sets all the creatures free. They choose to lure Drede and his army, and the Sirle lords and their army, away from each other, thus defusing the war (although it is unknown at the end of the book whether the lords and armies will return, other than Coren). Tamlorn wakes Sybel up and tells her that Drede had died, that he thinks that whatever killed the wizard Mithran also killed Drede, and he is now king of Eldwold. They go to Maelga's house where Sybel meets Coren, who asks her why he should return to her. She tells him he is the only person who can bring her joy, and they reunite. On a hunch, Sybel summons the Blammor which reveals itself to be the Liralen. Sybel asks the Liralen to take her and Coren home. Characters Sybel – Sixteen at the beginning of the story, she raises Tamlorn with the help of Maelga, the witch. She is the daughter of Ogam. She does not display her emotions and desires knowledge. Throughout the book, she seeks the Liralen, a mysterious white bird. She later marries Coren. Described by McKillip as having long "ivory" hair and her father's black eyes, and very pale skin. Coren often refers to her as "Ice-white lady". Ogam – Sybel's father and summoner of Gules Lyon, Ter, and Moriah. Myk – Ogam's father and the one who started the practice of summoning the mythical beasts of Eld. Coren of Sirle – The man who brings the baby Tamlorn for Sybel to raise. He later falls in love with her. He is described as having red hair, which is characteristic of his family, and possesses an uncanny and intuitive knowledge of Sybel's legendary beasts. Tamlorn – Son of Rianna, the deceased queen of Eld, and of King Drede. Given to Sybel to raise when he was only a baby. Twelve years later in the book, he becomes king of Eld. Maelga – The witch who lives near Sybel. Helps Sybel