Kyralia is facing threats at home and abroad as a rogue killer stalks its capitals streets while the neighbouring kingdom of Sachaka is breeding a rebellion that could destabilise the entire region. High Lord Akkarin and Soneas son Lorkin has a legacy of heroism to live up to but despite his good intentions his incarceration in Sachakas rebel traitor stronghold could destroy the tenuous peace between the two countries. Angered by Lorkins seeming defection the Sachakans blame the Kyralian ambassador Danny--and they are a savage people when roused. And back home in the University two young novices are about to remind the Guild that sometimes their greatest enemy comes from within . . .