 The book begins with the return of a group of friends , consisting of Tanis , Sturm , Caramon , Raistlin , Flint , and Tasslehoff , who had separated to pursue their own quests and pledged to return in five years . Kitiara Uth Matar , the half sister of the twins Caramon and Raistlin , was supposed to be there as well , but only sent a mysterious note . 
