Tamm DuHan reaches adolescence after a difficult childhood which included boyhood illness and the devastating effects the death of a younger sister and, soon after, his mother. By the time he is fifteen, his father packs him off to the Warrior's Academy in the great city where, through his own perseverance, he is chosen to train as an elite fighter. He is to undergo weapons, survival and alchemy skills practice. A few years of unrelentingly severe training results in him being selected to become an executive agent for the city Magelords. His first mission sees him thrown into a world of deception, intrigue, danger and friendships as he joins a company of travelling performers. Harley is assisted through his naiveté by the Company's performers. Soon be becomes the hunter, and the hunted, and must place his trust in those who have limited experience in fighting.