In the second volume, the nature of the evil that ravages the land becomes more clear as the Abyssal Infection spreads through the land like a prairie fire.  Cities fall and it is only the vallient efforts of Callindra and her friends, now known as the Mithril Brotherhood keep the hopes of the remaining survivors alive.  Everything now rests on collecting the artifacts that Jorda, the Goddess of Earth has sent them to find.