Johnis and Silvie find a Black Forest in the middle of the desert. However, Darsal will not believe him and turns back. The three find the water they need to survive and Gabil meets them and assures them of their mission to continue west. Johnis convinces Darsal and Silvie to follow him west, into the desert. However, Billos hesitates and is captured by the Horde.

The Roush then give him one book of history and also give him a way to save Silvie, Darsal, and Billos. He, along with the other chosen, is to find the seven lost Books of History, which have unimaginable power. The two Roush, Michal and Gabil, give Johnis a bigger quest. Roush, as these bats are called, are mythical creatures who have not been seen for years. The four are split up and Johnis is saved by two fuzzy white bats. They reach the Igal point where they are to find the cacti but are attacked by the Horde, sworn enemies of the Forest Dwellers.

These four Johnis, Silvie, Darsal, and Billos, were given one final quest to prove their character: they must find and bring back four marked catalina cacti. Out of thousands of new recruits Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Guard, has chosen four to lead. The requirement age for entering The Forest Guard is being lowered from 18 to 16. Books sought by the Dark One that control not only the destiny of their world. Books that have power over the past, present, and future. Now they must find the seven Lost Books of History. The chosen four are sent on a quest to prove their character, but their mission takes a dramatic turn when they are intercepted, sworn to secrecy, and redirected to a different endgame. From among thousands, four new recruits are chosen to lead-and perhaps die-for the greater good. Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Forest Guard, is forced to lower the recruitment age of his army from 18 to 16. The land of the Forest Dwellers has been decimated by the Horde under the watchful eye of the vilest of all creatures, Teeleh. Think with your heart and prepare to die for you have been Chosen. 9-8 September 1, 2010, Oasis Audio, Audio CD.9-9 April 13, 2010, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 272-page paperback.6-4 January 1, 2010, Findaway World, Preloaded Digital Audio Player.3-0 November 11, 2008, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 144-page paperback graphic novel.0-X January 1, 2008, Oasis Audio, Unabriged CD.9-7 December 15, 2007, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 260-page hardcover.

Heaven's Wager by Ted Dekker