Danny grew up in a family compound in Virginia, believing that he alone of his family had no magical power. But he was wrong. Kidnapped from his high school by a rival family, he learns that he has the power to reopen the gates between Earth and the world of Westil.

"In this sequel to The Lost Gate, bestselling author Orson Scott Card continues his fantastic tale of the Mages of Westil who live in exile on Earth. Here on Earth, Danny North is still in high school, yet he holds in his heart and mind all the stolen outselves of thirteen centuries of gatemages. The Families still want to kill him if they can't control him...and they can't control him. He is far too powerful. And on Westil, Wad is now nearly powerless--he...

An old woman who was too busy to travel with the Wise Men to find the Child now searches endlessly for Him each Christmas season.

After harvesting an especially large "tear" of a resin known as myrrh, a young boy and his father visit a spice merchant whose three customers are seeking a special gift to bring to a baby. Includes biblical references and historical information about the Magi and myrrh.

A fourth Wise Man delays journeying with the other Magi to see the newborn Jesus, but after thirty-three years of helping others he has an unusual opportunity to meet his Savior.