Her mind guided by a mother she will not see again for centuries, Polgara
beings life in the Vale, growing up in her uncle's Beldin's tower and in the
prehistoric Tree that is the heart of that magical place. There she first
learns the reaches of her powers and assumes the bird shapes that will serve
her on her far-flung travels. As her adventures carry her far from the safety
of the Vale, her spellbinding fate unfolds. For Polgara is destined to be
guardian of the world's last, best hope: the heir to the Rivan throne
