"Five years after the events of 'Inkdeath', Meggie, Mo, and the people of Ombra lead peaceful lives, their fires warmed by the flames of Dustfinger...The past five years have been a different story for Orpheus, who has spent his days living a meager and deprived existence, fueled only by his thirst for revenge against Dustfinger and all those who betrayed him. Now, Orpheus has found an unexpected way to seek vengeance against his greatest adversary. He has corrupted an artist to create bewitched portraitsthat will see the heroes fade to gray. When Dustfinger's deepest fears come true, he'll have to figure out whether the words still obey Orpheus"--,Provided by publisher.