Threads of Malice takes up about a month after the events in Ghost in the Snow. It's the proverbial dark and stormy night when a young boy, Eachann, who has ridden his donkey nearly to death comes to Castle Faldorrah to beg Dubric Byerly to come to The Reach because young boys are being taken by The Dark. Dubric learns that the people of The Reach have written repeatedly begging for assistance from the castle and no one has answered their call. Finally, Eachann came to ask in person because The Dark has taken his friend Braoin. Dubric gathers his men immediately to go to The Reach and he's very curious to learn why those letters have never reached him. There's no time to loose for The Dark is taking young boys and men without a trace...and so far there's only been one body found.

(Source: Spectra)