On Midwinter's Eve, Will gets the first of the Signs as an early birthday present. Will wakes on his birthday in another time. He meets the Rider, his enemy, as well as the white mare, an almost magical horse that helps Will. Will also meets the Walker, a strange old tramp. Will goes into another time, where the Lady and Merriman Lyon explain that Will is the last of the Old Ones. They teach him about his powers and his quest to collect the six Signs. The Dark attacks them, and because of Will's impulsiveness, they are only saved through the Lady's sacrifice. When the Walker finds Will alone, Will gets the second Sign. Maggie Barnes, an agent of the Dark, arrives to try to take it. Merriman sends her away.

The Rider and Will