Quint is a wizard and healer, and a dwarf, abandoned by his mother as an infant and tortured by his stunted, distorted body. While treating an injured child, he discovers a mysterious burning beetle that foretells the return of the Great Wolves and their companions the Torg, an ancient and long forgotten enemy of his people. Drawn into a quest for the Torg and his own history, Quint and his apprentice are threatened by their companions, outlaws, the Great Wolves and the Torg. As the wizard confronts his origins, his world is shaken. Of all the dangers he faces his own heritage may be the most deadly.